WO2023276453A1 - Battery unit, battery unit assembly, electric tool, and electric vehicle - Google Patents

Battery unit, battery unit assembly, electric tool, and electric vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023276453A1
WO2023276453A1 PCT/JP2022/019835 JP2022019835W WO2023276453A1 WO 2023276453 A1 WO2023276453 A1 WO 2023276453A1 JP 2022019835 W JP2022019835 W JP 2022019835W WO 2023276453 A1 WO2023276453 A1 WO 2023276453A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
battery unit
side wall
wall portion
battery
battery cell
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2022/019835
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
健一 小澤
真樹 倉塚
家栩 江
建名 陳
Original Assignee
株式会社村田製作所
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社村田製作所 filed Critical 株式会社村田製作所
Publication of WO2023276453A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023276453A1/en
Priority to US18/371,019 priority Critical patent/US20240030538A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/233—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions
    • H01M50/242—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/202—Casings or frames around the primary casing of a single cell or a single battery
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/211—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for pouch cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/218—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material
    • H01M50/22—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks
    • H01M50/222—Inorganic material
    • H01M50/224—Metals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/233—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/258—Modular batteries; Casings provided with means for assembling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/262—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/262—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks
    • H01M50/264—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/271—Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/289—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by spacing elements or positioning means within frames, racks or packs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/30—Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a battery unit, a battery unit assembly, an electric power tool, and an electric vehicle.
  • Patent Document 1 describes an assembly of battery modules in which battery modules are vertically stacked and electrically connected.
  • the projecting portion of the battery module case does not participate in restraining the battery module, and is not sufficient as a technology for preventing the battery module from being displaced due to vibration or shock applied to the battery module. there were.
  • the protruding portion of the case since there is a large clearance between the protruding portion of the case and the bottom portion of the upper battery module, there is a problem that the battery module is greatly displaced due to vibration or impact.
  • one object of the present invention is to provide a battery unit assembly with improved vibration resistance and impact resistance, and a battery unit constituting the battery unit assembly.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric power tool and an electric vehicle having the above-described battery unit or battery unit assembly.
  • the present invention a battery cell; Equipped with a metal case in which the battery cells are housed, and metal case is a bottom surface; a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion erected from the peripheral edge of the bottom surface and having inner surfaces facing each other; The first side wall portion and the second side wall portion protrude from the upper surface of the battery cell, In the battery unit, the distance between the inner surface of the first side wall and the inner surface of the second side wall is greater on the end side opposite to the bottom side than on the bottom side.
  • the present invention A plurality of battery units described above, a first battery unit and a second battery unit of the plurality of battery units are stacked; A portion of the first sidewall portion of the first battery unit and a portion of the first sidewall portion of the second battery unit overlap, A battery unit assembly in which a part of the second side wall of the first battery unit and a part of the second side wall of the second battery unit overlap.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery unit according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery unit according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery unit according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery unit according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery unit according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram that is referenced when another type of battery unit is described.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram that is referenced when another type of battery unit is described.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram that is referred to when describing another type of battery unit.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram that is referenced when another type of battery unit is described.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram that is referenced when another type of battery unit is described.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram that is referred to when describing another type of battery unit.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram referred to when describing the first side wall and the second side wall according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 17A and 17B are diagrams referred to when describing a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram referred to when describing the third side wall portion according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram referred to when describing a battery unit assembly according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 20 is a diagram referred to when describing a battery unit assembly according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of an electrical connection mode of each battery unit constituting a battery unit assembly according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining another example of the electrical connection mode of each battery unit constituting the battery unit assembly according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of overlapping portions according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the holding member.
  • FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the holding member.
  • FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the holding member.
  • FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the holding member.
  • 28A and 28B are diagrams for explaining a third example of the holding member.
  • 29A and 29B are diagrams for explaining a fourth example of the holding member.
  • 30A and 30B are diagrams for explaining a fifth example of the holding member.
  • FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining an example of fixing a plurality of battery units using laser.
  • FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining an application example of the present invention.
  • FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining an application example of the present invention.
  • each of the elements constituting the present invention may be configured with the same member so that a single member may serve as a plurality of elements, or conversely, the function of one member may be performed by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing.
  • a battery unit in which battery cells (single cells) are housed in a metal case is referred to as a battery unit
  • a battery unit assembly including a plurality of battery units is referred to as a battery unit assembly.
  • a battery pack is a battery unit assembly to which a control board on which a control IC (Integrated Circuit) is mounted for performing protective operations and the like for the battery units is connected.
  • FIG. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a battery unit 1A according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery unit 1A.
  • the battery unit 1A has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape.
  • the lateral direction of the battery unit 1A is referred to as the X direction
  • the longitudinal direction of the battery unit 1A is referred to as the Y direction
  • the height direction of the battery unit 1A is referred to as the Z direction.
  • the side (also referred to as a terrace) of the battery unit 1A located on the ⁇ Y direction side (the surface where the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab described later are exposed) is appropriately referred to as the top side, and is located on the +Y direction side.
  • the end face (the end face on the side opposite to the top side) is appropriately referred to as the bottom side.
  • the ⁇ Z direction is referred to as the bottom surface, the bottom, or the lower side as appropriate
  • the +Z direction is referred to as the upper surface or the upper side as appropriate.
  • the battery unit 1A includes battery cells 10, a metal case 20, a holder 30, and a cushion member 40.
  • the battery cell 10 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape.
  • the battery cell 10 is, for example, a laminated lithium ion battery cell.
  • a battery element is formed by arranging a positive electrode and a negative electrode so as to face each other with a separator interposed therebetween and winding (or laminating) them. After the positive electrode tab (positive electrode terminal) and the negative electrode tab (negative electrode terminal) are attached to the battery element, the battery element is sealed inside the film-shaped exterior member.
  • the exterior member for example, a rectangular laminated film obtained by laminating a nylon film, an aluminum foil and a polyethylene film in this order can be used.
  • the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are led out from the bottom side of the top-side end surface 101, as shown in FIG.
  • the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are each made of a metal material such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or stainless steel.
  • the metal case 20 is a member that houses the battery cells 10 .
  • Aluminum, copper, or the like can be used as the metal case 20 .
  • the metal case 20 has a bottom surface 210 that is substantially rectangular in plan view. Three side walls stand up from the periphery of the bottom surface 210 . Specifically, a first side wall portion 201 and a second side wall portion 202 are erected upward from the longitudinal edge of the bottom surface 210 .
  • the inner surface of the first side wall portion 201 (the surface located inside the metal case 20) and the inner surface of the second side wall portion 202 face each other.
  • the metal case 20 extends in a direction (X direction in this example) substantially orthogonal to the extending direction (Y direction in this example) of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 .
  • a side wall portion 203 is provided.
  • the third side wall portion 203 is erected upward from the bottom-side lateral edge of the bottom surface 210 .
  • the holder 30 is a member attached to the top side of the battery cell 10 .
  • Holder 30 holds battery cell 10 by being attached to metal case 20 .
  • the holder 30 is made of resin, for example.
  • the cushion member 40 is attached to the top surface of the battery cell 10 .
  • the cushion member 40 is an elastic rectangular thin plate member that protects the battery cell 10 from impact, vibration, and the like.
  • a positive electrode tab 102A and a negative electrode tab 102B are led out from the top-side end face 101 of the battery cell 10.
  • FIG. The positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are drawn out in a flat state without being bent.
  • the positive electrode tab 102A has substantially circular holes 105A and 106A.
  • the negative electrode tab 102B has substantially circular holes 105B and 106B.
  • the bottom surface 210 of the metal case 20 is provided with a double-sided tape 210A.
  • the double-sided tape 210A is attached to the bottom surface of the battery cell 10 .
  • the holder 30 is attached to the top side of the battery cell 10 (see FIG. 6).
  • the holder 30 has a substantially quadrangular prism shape with unevenness.
  • the holder 30 has four holes 301A, 302A, 301B, and 302B provided along the X direction.
  • the holes 301A, 302A, 301B, and 302B each have a substantially circular shape.
  • a claw portion 304A and a claw portion 305A are provided on both side surfaces of the holder 30 in the X direction.
  • the claw portion 304A is fitted into the hole portion 201A (see FIGS. 4 and 5) provided in the first side wall portion 201.
  • the claw portion 305A is fitted into the hole portion 202A (see FIGS. 4 and 5) provided in the second side wall portion 202.
  • the metal case 20 and the holder 30 are integrated (see FIG. 6).
  • the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are bent.
  • the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are bent upward at approximately 90 degrees.
  • the holes of the tabs and the holes of the holder 30 overlap each other.
  • hole 105A of positive electrode tab 102A and hole 301A of holder 30 overlap, and hole 106A of positive electrode tab 102A and hole 302A of holder 30 overlap.
  • Hole 105B of negative electrode tab 102B and hole 301B of holder 30 overlap, and hole 106B of negative electrode tab 102B and hole 302B of holder 30 overlap.
  • FIG. 8 shows a state in which the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are bent.
  • the distance between the holder 30 and the battery cell 10 is the length (the length in the Y direction) that the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are led out.
  • the gap SP is filled with, for example, molten resin (not shown).
  • the gap SP is filled by curing the resin.
  • the cushion member 40 is attached to the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10 .
  • double-sided tape is attached to the bottom surface 401 (see FIG. 9) of the cushion member 40 .
  • the double-sided tape is used to bond the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10 and the bottom surface 401 of the cushion member 40 together.
  • the battery unit 1A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is completed.
  • the manufacturing method described above is an example, and the order of some steps may be changed, and other steps may be added.
  • FIG. 10 a battery unit 1B of a type different from the battery unit 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14.
  • FIG. 10 a battery unit 1B of a type different from the battery unit 1A
  • FIG. 10 and 11 are perspective views of a battery unit 1B according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the battery unit 1B according to one embodiment.
  • the configuration of the battery unit 1B is basically the same as that of the battery unit 1A.
  • the battery unit 1B differs from the battery unit 1A in that the battery cells 10 of the battery unit 1B are the battery cells 10 of the battery unit 1A turned upside down.
  • the arrangement positions of the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B viewed from the top side are left-right opposite.
  • Other points such as the configuration of the metal case 20, the configuration of the holder 30, and the provision of the cushion member 40, are the same for the battery unit 1A and the battery unit 1B.
  • FIG. 13 to 15. An example of a method for manufacturing the battery unit 1B will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.
  • FIG. The main steps of the manufacturing method for battery unit 1B are the same as those for battery unit 1A. In the following, the different points will be mainly described.
  • a double-sided tape 210A is attached to the bottom surface 210 of the metal case 20.
  • the battery cell 10 is attached to the double-sided tape 210A.
  • the battery cell 10 of the battery unit 1B is obtained by upside down the battery cell 10 of the battery unit 1A. That is, the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10, which is the upper surface in the battery unit 1A, is the bottom surface. As shown in FIG. 13, the bottom surface (upper surface 103 in battery unit 1A) is attached to double-sided tape 210A. Conversely, the surface that was the bottom surface of the battery cell 10 of the battery unit 1A is the top surface 104 of the battery cell 10 of the battery unit 1B as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the double-faced tape provided on the bottom surface 401 of the cushion member 40 is adhered to the top surface 104 to complete the battery unit 1B shown in FIGS.
  • a first side wall portion 201 and a second side wall portion 202 are erected from the periphery of the bottom surface 210 of the metal case 20 .
  • the height (length in the Z direction) of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 is greater than the thickness (length in the Z direction) of the battery cell 10 . That is, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 protrude in the +Z direction from the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10 (the upper surface 104 in the case of the battery unit 1B).
  • the height of first side wall portion 201 and second side wall portion 202 is greater than the thickness of battery cell 10 and cushion member 40 . That is, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 protrude in the +Z direction from the upper surface 402 (the surface opposite to the bottom surface 401 described above) of the cushion member 40 .
  • the thickness (length in the X direction) of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 is as thin as 0.3 mm, for example. Since the thickness is thin, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 function as elastic pieces having spring properties. Due to this springiness, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 can be displaced toward the outside, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
  • the first side wall portion 201 includes a wall portion 221A (an example of the first wall portion) erected substantially vertically from the bottom surface 210, and a wall portion 221A extending from the tip of the wall portion 221A to the opposite side of the battery cell 10.
  • a wall portion 221C (an example of a second wall portion) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 210 from the tip of the bent portion 221B.
  • the wall portion 221A, the bent portion 221B, and the wall portion 221C are formed continuously and integrally, for example. Each may be formed separately and integrated by adhesion or the like.
  • a portion above the bent portion, for example, the bent portion 221B and the wall portion 221C of the first side wall portion 201 can be displaced toward the outside, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
  • the second side wall portion 202 includes a wall portion 222A (an example of the first wall portion) that stands substantially vertically from the bottom surface 210, and a wall portion 222A extending from the tip of the wall portion 222A to the opposite side of the battery cell 10.
  • a wall portion 222C (an example of a second wall portion) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 210 from the tip of the bent portion 222B.
  • the wall portion 222A, the bent portion 222B, and the wall portion 222C are formed continuously and integrally. Each may be formed separately and integrated by adhesion or the like.
  • a portion above the bent portion, for example, the bent portion 222B and the wall portion 222C of the second side wall portion 202 can be displaced toward the outside, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
  • the distance between the inner surface 211 of the first side wall portion 201 and the inner surface 212 of the second side wall portion 202 is , the end portion side opposite to the bottom surface 210 side (the open end side of the metal case 20 and the distance DB) is larger than the bottom surface 210 side (distance DA).
  • the inner surface of the wall portion 221A of the first side wall portion 201 and the side surface of the battery cell 10 are in contact with each other.
  • the inner surface of wall portion 222A of second side wall portion 202 and the side surface of battery cell 10 are in contact with each other.
  • the inner surface of each wall portion and the side surface of the battery cell 10 do not necessarily have to be in contact with each other, but the contact enables positioning and holding of the battery cell 10 . Therefore, it is preferable that the inner surfaces of the wall portions 221A and 222A and the side surfaces of the battery cell 10 are in contact with each other.
  • the third side wall portion 203 will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the height and thickness of the third side wall portion 203 are substantially the same as those of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 . Therefore, the third side wall portion 203 protrudes in the +Z direction from the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10 (the upper surface 104 in the case of the battery unit 1B). Also, the height of the third side wall portion 203 is greater than the thicknesses of the battery cells 10 and the cushion members 40 . That is, the third side wall portion 203 protrudes in the +Z direction from the upper surface 402 of the cushion member 40 (the surface opposite to the bottom surface 401 described above).
  • the thickness (length in the Y direction) of the third side wall portion 203 is as thin as 0.3 mm, for example. Since the thickness is thin, the third side wall portion 203 functions as an elastic piece having spring properties. Due to this springiness, the third side wall portion 203 can be displaced outward, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
  • the third side wall portion 203 has the same shape as the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 . That is, as shown in FIG. 18, the third side wall portion 203 includes a wall portion 223A (an example of a first wall portion) erected substantially vertically from the bottom surface 210, and a battery cell 10 extending from the tip of the wall portion 223A. has a bent portion 223B bent outward on the opposite side, and a wall portion 223C (an example of a second wall portion) extending from the tip of the bent portion 223B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 210 .
  • the wall portion 223A, the bent portion 223B, and the wall portion 223C are formed continuously and integrally.
  • bent portion 223B and the wall portion 223C of the third side wall portion 203 can be displaced toward the outside, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
  • the third side wall portion 203 is separated from the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 from the viewpoint of springiness.
  • the third side wall portion 203 when the third side wall portion 203 is displaced, it can be displaced without being interfered by the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202, and the spring property of the third side wall portion 203 can be improved. can be expressed. The same applies when the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 are displaced.
  • a battery unit assembly is completed by stacking and electrically connecting the battery units 1A and 1B.
  • a battery pack is completed by electrically connecting a control board on which a control IC and the like are mounted to the battery unit assembly.
  • a battery pack is connected to an appropriate load.
  • FIG. 19 A battery unit assembly (battery unit assembly 2) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21.
  • FIG. 19 As shown in FIG. 19, for example, six battery units are stacked. Specifically, the battery unit 1B is arranged on the lowest side. Then, the battery unit 1A is arranged on the battery unit 1B. Thereafter, different types of battery units are stacked in a staggered manner. For example, battery units 1B, 1A, 1B, 1A, 1B, 1A are stacked from the bottom, and six battery units are stacked to form the battery unit assembly 2 shown in FIG. More specifically, the cushion member 40 of each battery unit is compressed by applying pressure inward from the top and bottom while the six battery units are stacked. The six battery units are integrated in a compressed state by a holding member (details will be described later) to form a battery unit assembly 2 . In the following description, the first layer, the second layer, and so on from the bottom are referred to as appropriate.
  • each battery unit constituting the battery unit assembly 2 is performed using, for example, metal bus bars.
  • bus bar 51A is provided with four holes (not shown) communicating with holes 105B and 106B of negative electrode tab 102B and holes 105A and 106A of positive electrode tab 102A.
  • the negative electrode tab 102B of the battery unit 1A in the second layer and the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1B in the third layer are electrically connected by the bus bar 51B.
  • Negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1B on the third layer and positive electrode tab 102A of battery unit 1A on the fourth layer are electrically connected by bus bar 51C.
  • Negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1A on the fourth layer and positive electrode tab 102A of battery unit 1B on the fifth layer are electrically connected by bus bar 51D.
  • Negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1B on the fifth layer and positive electrode tab 102A of battery unit 1A on the sixth layer are electrically connected by bus bar 51E.
  • the positive electrode tab 102A on the first layer and the negative electrode tab 102B on the sixth layer are connected to an external output terminal (not shown).
  • the first-layer positive electrode tab 102A and the sixth-layer negative electrode tab 102B themselves may function as external output terminals.
  • the battery unit assembly 2 may have a structure in which four battery units are stacked.
  • the battery unit assembly 2 may have a configuration in which the battery units 1A, 1A, 1B, and 1B are stacked from the first layer.
  • the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1A in the first layer and the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1A in the second layer are electrically connected by the bus bar 51F.
  • the negative electrode tab 102B of the battery unit 1A of the first layer, the negative electrode tab 102B of the battery unit 1A of the second layer, the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1B of the third layer, and the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1B of the fourth layer. are electrically connected by a bus bar 51G.
  • Negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1B in the third layer and negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1B in the fourth layer are electrically connected by bus bar 51H.
  • FIG. 23 is a diagram showing two battery units that are adjacent in the vertical direction (Z direction) from the battery unit assembly 2.
  • the two battery units shown in FIG. 23 are, for example, a first-layer battery unit 1B (an example of a first battery unit) and a second-layer battery unit 1A (an example of a second battery unit).
  • the two battery units may be other battery units (for example, battery unit 1A in the fourth layer and battery unit 1B in the fifth layer).
  • FIG. 23 shows a state in which, for example, pressure is applied from the vertical direction (or upward direction) to six battery units, and the cushion member 40 is compressed.
  • the upper end side inner surface of the first side wall portion 201 of the battery unit 1B (for example, a part of the inner surface of the wall portion 221C) and the lower end side outer surface of the first side wall portion 201 of the battery unit 1A ( For example, a portion of the outer surface of the wall portion 221A) overlaps.
  • the upper end side inner surface of the second side wall portion 202 of the battery unit 1B (for example, part of the inner surface of the wall portion 222C) and the lower end side outer surface of the second side wall portion 202 of the battery unit 1A (for example, the wall portion) 222A) overlap.
  • overlapping means that there is an overlapping area when two objects are viewed from a predetermined direction (the Y direction in this example), and the overlapping areas are close and face each other. means to be in contact with or in contact with.
  • the impact resistance and vibration resistance of the battery unit assembly 2 can be improved.
  • vibration of the battery unit assembly 2 causes force in the Y direction to be applied to the battery units 1B and 1A.
  • the overlapping outer configuration for example, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 of the first layer battery unit 1B
  • the inner configuration for example, the second layer battery unit 1A By acting to receive the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202), the positional deviation of the upper battery unit 1A can be effectively suppressed.
  • first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 have a spring property and can be displaced outward, the displacement of the upper battery unit 1A can be effectively prevented while absorbing vibration and impact. can be suppressed. Further, as described above, if the inner surfaces of the wall portions 221A and 222A are brought into contact with the battery cell 10, vibration resistance can be improved while preventing the battery cell 10 from being dislocated without adding a new component. can be improved.
  • the cushion member 40 does not necessarily have to be compressed.
  • a configuration may be adopted in which an overlapping region is generated in a state in which no pressure is applied to the stacked battery units 1B and 1A, ie, a state in which the cushion member 40 is not compressed.
  • the overlapped portion does not include the bent portion. This is because if the curved portion is included, there is a high possibility that the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 located on the lower side will be deformed or damaged when impact or vibration is applied.
  • the same can be said for the third side wall portions 203 of the upper and lower battery units. That is, by providing overlapping portions also for the upper and lower third side wall portions 203, it is possible to effectively suppress vibrations and impacts in the X direction.
  • the six battery units forming the battery unit assembly 2 may fall off or the like if they are simply stacked. Therefore, in this embodiment, the holding member is used to firmly fix the six battery units.
  • a plurality of examples of holding members included in the battery unit assembly 2 and examples of fixing methods for six battery units will be described below.
  • FIG. The holding member according to the first example includes metal plates 61A and 61B.
  • 61 A of metal plates are mounted on the upper surface of the battery unit 1A arrange
  • a plurality of (eight in this example) projections 62A are provided on the periphery of the upper surface of the metal plate 61A.
  • Two protrusions 62A are provided on the periphery in the X direction (periphery on the bottom side), and three protrusions are provided on each periphery in the Y direction.
  • the metal plate 61B is arranged on the bottom surface of the battery unit 1B arranged at the bottom.
  • a plurality of (eight in this example) protrusions 62B are provided on the periphery of the bottom surface of the metal plate 61B. Like the protrusion 62A, two protrusions 62B are provided on the X-direction peripheral edge (bottom-side peripheral edge) and three on each Y-direction peripheral edge.
  • the metal plates 61A and 61B function as protective plates that protect the upper and lower surfaces of the six stacked battery units.
  • the holding member according to the first example includes metal plates 63 , 64 , 65 .
  • the metal plate 63 has a U-shaped end surface when viewed from the Y direction. Two walls of the metal plate 63 facing each other are provided with three semicircular notches 63A, respectively.
  • the metal plate 64 has a U-shaped end surface when viewed in the Y direction. Three semicircular cutouts 64A are provided in each of the two opposing walls of the metal plate 64 .
  • the metal plate 65 has a U-shaped end surface when viewed from the X direction. Two opposing wall portions of the metal plate 65 are provided with two semicircular notches 65A, respectively.
  • the metal plates 63, 64, and 65 are fitted in a state in which pressure is applied to the six battery units inward from the vertical direction, that is, in a state in which the cushion member 40 of each battery unit is compressed.
  • the metal plates 63 and 64 are fitted to the side surface substantially orthogonal to the tab exposed surface, and the metal plate 65 is fitted to the surface opposite to the tab exposed surface. Specifically, the notches of each metal plate are fitted into the corresponding projections 62A and 62B.
  • the restoring force of the compressed cushion member 40 brings the metal plates 63, 64, 65 into close contact with the six battery units, thereby integrating the six battery units as shown in FIG.
  • Threads are formed on the protrusions 62A and 62B to form male threads, and by screwing nuts 67 onto the protrusions 62A and 62B, metal plates 63, 64, and 65 are formed as shown in FIG. and the six battery units are further firmly attached to each other, and the six battery units are integrated.
  • the holding members may be band members 71 and 72 that are attached around the six battery units and bind the six battery units.
  • the number of band members may be one, or three or more.
  • FIGS. 28A and 28B A third example of the holding member will be described with reference to FIGS. 28A and 28B.
  • exterior plates 75 and 76 are arranged above and below the six battery units.
  • a metal plate or a resin plate can be used as the exterior plates 75 and 76 .
  • a band member 77 which is an example of a connecting member, is attached to the exterior plates 75 and 76 .
  • the band member 77 is inserted through the exterior plates 75 and 76 and wrapped around the entire periphery of the battery unit assembly 2 .
  • band member 77 includes, for example, four band members 77A-77D.
  • the band member 77 is adjustable in length, and by appropriately adjusting the length, the six battery units are fixed while being compressed inward by the outer plates 75 and 76 .
  • FIGS. 29A and 29B A fourth example of the holding member will be described with reference to FIGS. 29A and 29B.
  • FIG. 29A six battery units are housed so as to be wrapped in housing member 81 while compressing cushion member 40 of each battery unit.
  • a metal box or a resin box can be used as the storage member 81 .
  • the housing member 81 is closed by screwing the screw 82 into the housing member 81 .
  • the storage member 81 may be closed by being fixed by a known lock component 83, as shown in FIG. 29B.
  • FIGS. 30A and 30B A fifth example of the holding member will be described with reference to FIGS. 30A and 30B.
  • a metal plate 84 is arranged above the six battery units.
  • the six battery units and the metal plate 84 are housed in a metal box 85 while the metal plate 84 is used to compress the six battery units.
  • An appropriate number of holes 85A are provided around the box 85.
  • the metal plate 84 also serves as a protective plate that protects the cushion members 40 and the like positioned at the top of the six battery units.
  • FIG. 30B shows a cross section of the six battery units and the metal plate 84 housed in the box 85.
  • FIG. 30B shows the surfaces where the tabs are exposed for the six battery units.
  • a bond or a liquid resin hereinafter collectively referred to as resin GR
  • resin GR is injected into the box 85 through the hole 85A.
  • resin GR is injected through another hole 85A.
  • a bonding portion 86 is formed in the SPA between the battery unit and the inner surface of the box 85 by hardening the resin GR or the like injected inside.
  • the inner surface of the box 85 and the outer surface of the six battery units are adhered by the adhesive portion 86 , thereby fixing the six battery units to the box 85 .
  • a sixth example will be described with reference to FIG. A sixth example is an example of fixing six battery units without using a holding member.
  • FIG. 31 there is a portion where the first side wall portions 201 overlap (hereinafter, this portion will be referred to as an overlapping portion VP1 as appropriate) between the upper and lower battery units.
  • this portion there is a portion where the second side wall portion 202 overlaps between the upper and lower battery units (hereinafter, this portion will be referred to as an overlapping portion VP2 as appropriate).
  • Laser welding is performed by irradiating the laser LA to each of the overlapping portion VP1 and the overlapping portion VP2.
  • laser welding marks LPA and LPB are formed in the overlap portion VP1 and the overlap portion VP2, respectively. Laser welding is similarly performed for other overlapping portions.
  • the six battery units are integrally fixed by welding the overlapping portions.
  • laser welding may also be performed on the overlapping portion of the third side wall portion 203 .
  • the overlapping portions may be laser-welded, and the box 85 may house six battery units that have been laser-welded.
  • the lead-out directions of the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab are the same direction, but they may be different directions such as opposite sides.
  • the configuration may be such that the third side wall portion is not provided.
  • first side wall and the second side wall are separate from the third side wall in the above-described embodiment, the side walls may be integrally formed. However, as described above, it is preferable that the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are separated from the third side wall portion.
  • the battery unit In order to protect the battery cells, it is preferable for the battery unit to have a cushion member, but the cushion member may be omitted. Also, the number of battery units constituting the battery unit assembly can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, a battery cell other than the laminate type may be used as the battery cell.
  • a battery unit, a battery unit assembly, or a battery pack using them (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a battery unit or the like) according to the present invention is mounted on or supplies electric power to power tools, electric vehicles, various electronic devices, and the like. can be used to
  • the electric driver 431 is provided with a motor 433 that transmits rotational power to a shaft 434 and a trigger switch 432 that is operated by a user.
  • a battery pack 430 and a motor control unit 435 are accommodated in a lower housing of the handle of the electric driver 431 .
  • the battery pack 430 is built into the electric driver 431 or is detachable therefrom. The battery unit or the like described above can be applied to the battery pack 430 .
  • Each of the battery pack 430 and the motor control unit 435 may be provided with a microcomputer (not shown) so that charge/discharge information of the battery pack 430 can be communicated with each other.
  • the motor control unit 435 can control the operation of the motor 433 and cut off the power supply to the motor 433 in the event of an abnormality such as overdischarge.
  • FIG. 33 schematically shows a configuration example of a hybrid vehicle (HV) employing a series hybrid system.
  • a series hybrid system is a vehicle that runs with an electric drive force conversion device using electric power generated by a generator powered by an engine or electric power temporarily stored in a battery.
  • This hybrid vehicle 600 includes an engine 601, a generator 602, a power driving force conversion device (DC motor or AC motor, hereinafter simply referred to as "motor 603"), driving wheels 604a, driving wheels 604b, wheels 605a, wheels 605b, A battery 608, a vehicle control device 609, various sensors 610, and a charging port 611 are mounted.
  • the battery 608 the battery unit or the like of the present invention can be applied.
  • the electric power of the battery 608 operates the motor 603, and the rotational force of the motor 603 is transmitted to the driving wheels 604a, 604b.
  • the rotational power produced by engine 601 allows power generated by generator 602 to be stored in battery 608 .
  • Various sensors 610 control the engine speed via the vehicle control device 609 and control the opening of a throttle valve (not shown).
  • HV plug-in hybrid vehicles
  • the battery unit and battery unit assembly according to the present invention can also be applied to a miniaturized primary battery and used as a power source for an air pressure sensor system (TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring System) built into the wheels 604 and 605. It is possible.
  • TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • the present invention can also be applied to a parallel system that uses both an engine and a motor, or a hybrid vehicle that combines a series system and a parallel system. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to electric vehicles (EV or BEV) that run only with a drive motor that does not use an engine, and fuel cell vehicles (FCV).
  • EV or BEV electric vehicles
  • FCV fuel cell vehicles

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Abstract

The present invention aims to improve vibration resistance and impact resistance.　This battery unit comprises a battery cell and a metal case that houses the battery cell. The metal case comprises: a base surface; and first and second side wall sections that stand vertical from the edge of the base surface and have mutually facing inner surfaces. The first and second side wall surfaces protrude further than the upper surface of the battery cell and the distance between the inner surfaces of the first side wall surfaces and the inner surfaces of the second side wall surfaces is greater on an end side, which is on the opposite side to the base surface side, than the base surface side.

Description

電池ユニット、電池ユニット集合体、電動工具および電動車両Battery unit, battery unit assembly, electric tool and electric vehicle
　本発明は、電池ユニット、電池ユニット集合体、電動工具および電動車両に関する。 The present invention relates to a battery unit, a battery unit assembly, an electric power tool, and an electric vehicle.
　リチウムイオン電池等の電池が収納されたケース（電池モジュール）を多段接続し、電池パックの出力を増やすことが行われている。例えば、下記の特許文献１には、電池モジュールを上下方向に積み重ね、これらを電気的に接続した電池モジュールの集合体が記載されている。 Cases (battery modules) containing batteries such as lithium-ion batteries are connected in multiple stages to increase the output of the battery pack. For example, Patent Document 1 below describes an assembly of battery modules in which battery modules are vertically stacked and electrically connected.
特開２０１２－１７８３７０号公報JP 2012-178370 A
　特許文献１に記載の技術は、電池モジュールのケースにおける飛び出し部が電池モジュールの拘束に関与しておらず、電池モジュールにかかる振動や衝撃による電池モジュールの位置ずれを防止する技術としては不十分であった。また、ケースの飛び出し部と、上段に配置された電池モジュールの底部との間に大きなクリアランスが存在するため、振動や衝撃によって電池モジュールが大きく変位してしまう問題があった。 In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the projecting portion of the battery module case does not participate in restraining the battery module, and is not sufficient as a technology for preventing the battery module from being displaced due to vibration or shock applied to the battery module. there were. In addition, since there is a large clearance between the protruding portion of the case and the bottom portion of the upper battery module, there is a problem that the battery module is greatly displaced due to vibration or impact.
　従って、本発明は、耐振動性や耐衝撃性を向上させた電池ユニット集合体、および、当該電池ユニット集合体を構成する電池ユニットを提供することを目的の一つとする。また、本発明は、上述した電池ユニットまたは電池ユニット集合体を有する電動工具および電動車両を提供することを目的の一つとする。 Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a battery unit assembly with improved vibration resistance and impact resistance, and a battery unit constituting the battery unit assembly. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric power tool and an electric vehicle having the above-described battery unit or battery unit assembly.
　本発明は、
　電池セルと、
　電池セルが収納される金属ケースと
　を備え、
　金属ケースは、
　底面と、
　底面の周縁から立設され、内面が互いに対向する第１の側壁部および第２の側壁部と
　を備え、
　第１の側壁部および第２の側壁部は、電池セルの上面よりも突出しており、
　第１の側壁部の内面と第２の側壁部の内面との間の距離は、底面側よりも当該底面側とは反対側である端部側の方が大きい
　電池ユニットである。 The present invention
a battery cell;
Equipped with a metal case in which the battery cells are housed, and
metal case is
a bottom surface;
a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion erected from the peripheral edge of the bottom surface and having inner surfaces facing each other;
The first side wall portion and the second side wall portion protrude from the upper surface of the battery cell,
In the battery unit, the distance between the inner surface of the first side wall and the inner surface of the second side wall is greater on the end side opposite to the bottom side than on the bottom side.
　また、本発明は、
　上述した電池ユニットを複数、備え、
　複数の電池ユニットのうちの第１の電池ユニットと第２の電池ユニットとが、積み重ねられており、
　第１の電池ユニットの第１の側壁部の一部と、第２の電池ユニットの第１の側壁部の一部とがオーバーラップしており、
　第１の電池ユニットの第２の側壁部の一部と、第２の電池ユニットの第２の側壁部の一部とがオーバーラップしている
　電池ユニット集合体である。 In addition, the present invention
A plurality of battery units described above,
a first battery unit and a second battery unit of the plurality of battery units are stacked;
A portion of the first sidewall portion of the first battery unit and a portion of the first sidewall portion of the second battery unit overlap,
A battery unit assembly in which a part of the second side wall of the first battery unit and a part of the second side wall of the second battery unit overlap.
　本発明の少なくとも実施形態によれば、耐振動性や耐衝撃性を向上させた電池ユニット等を提供できる。なお、本明細書で例示された効果により本発明の内容が限定して解釈されるものではない。 According to at least the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery unit or the like with improved vibration resistance and impact resistance. It should be noted that the contents of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the effects exemplified in this specification.
図１は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニットの斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery unit according to one embodiment. 図２は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニットの斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery unit according to one embodiment. 図３は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニットの分解斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery unit according to one embodiment. 図４は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニットの詳細についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described. 図５は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニットの詳細についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 5 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described. 図６は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニットの詳細についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described. 図７は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニットの詳細についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described. 図８は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニットの詳細についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described. 図９は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニットの詳細についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram that is referred to when the details of the battery unit according to one embodiment are described. 図１０は、他のタイプの電池ユニットについての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 10 is a diagram that is referenced when another type of battery unit is described. 図１１は、他のタイプの電池ユニットについての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 11 is a diagram that is referenced when another type of battery unit is described. 図１２は、他のタイプの電池ユニットについての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 12 is a diagram that is referred to when describing another type of battery unit. 図１３は、他のタイプの電池ユニットについての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 13 is a diagram that is referenced when another type of battery unit is described. 図１４は、他のタイプの電池ユニットについての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 14 is a diagram that is referenced when another type of battery unit is described. 図１５は、他のタイプの電池ユニットについての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 15 is a diagram that is referred to when describing another type of battery unit. 図１６は、一実施形態に係る第１の側壁部および第２の側壁部についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 16 is a diagram referred to when describing the first side wall and the second side wall according to one embodiment. 図１７Ａおよび図１７Ｂは、一実施形態に係る第１の側壁部および第２の側壁部についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。17A and 17B are diagrams referred to when describing a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion according to one embodiment. 図１８は、一実施形態に係る第３の側壁部についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 18 is a diagram referred to when describing the third side wall portion according to one embodiment. 図１９は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニット集合体についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 19 is a diagram referred to when describing a battery unit assembly according to one embodiment. 図２０は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニット集合体についての説明がなされる際に参照される図である。FIG. 20 is a diagram referred to when describing a battery unit assembly according to one embodiment. 図２１は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニット集合体を構成する各電池ユニットの電気的な接続態様の一例を説明するための図である。FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of an electrical connection mode of each battery unit constituting a battery unit assembly according to one embodiment. 図２２は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニット集合体を構成する各電池ユニットの電気的な接続態様の他の例を説明するための図である。FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining another example of the electrical connection mode of each battery unit constituting the battery unit assembly according to one embodiment. 図２３は、一実施形態に係るオーバーラップする箇所の例を説明するための図である。FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of overlapping portions according to one embodiment. 図２４は、保持部材の第１の例を説明するための図である。FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the holding member. 図２５は、保持部材の第１の例を説明するための図である。FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the holding member. 図２６は、保持部材の第１の例を説明するための図である。FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the holding member. 図２７は、保持部材の第２の例を説明するための図である。FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the holding member. 図２８Ａおよび図２８Ｂは、保持部材の第３の例を説明するための図である。28A and 28B are diagrams for explaining a third example of the holding member. 図２９Ａおよび図２９Ｂは、保持部材の第４の例を説明するための図である。29A and 29B are diagrams for explaining a fourth example of the holding member. 図３０Ａおよび図３０Ｂは、保持部材の第５の例を説明するための図である。30A and 30B are diagrams for explaining a fifth example of the holding member. 図３１は、レーザーを用いて複数の電池ユニットの固定する例を説明するための図である。FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining an example of fixing a plurality of battery units using laser. 図３２は、本発明の応用例を説明するための図である。FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining an application example of the present invention. 図３３は、本発明の応用例を説明するための図である。FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining an application example of the present invention.
　以下、本発明の実施形態等について図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、説明は以下の順序で行われる。
＜一実施形態＞
＜変形例＞
＜応用例＞
　以下に説明する実施形態等は本発明の好適な具体例であり、本発明の内容がこれらの実施形態等に限定されるものではない。
　なお、特許請求の範囲に示される部材を、実施形態の部材に特定するものではない。特に、実施形態に記載されている構成部材の寸法、材質、形状、その相対的配置、上下左右等の方向の記載等は特に限定する旨の記載がない限りは、本発明の範囲をそれのみに限定する趣旨ではなく、単なる説明例にすぎない。なお、各図面が示す部材の大きさや位置関係等は、説明を明確にするため誇張していることがあり、また、図示が煩雑となることを防止するために、参照符号の一部のみを図示する場合や図示の一部を簡略化する場合もある。さらに以下の説明において、同一の名称、符号については同一もしくは同質の部材を示しており、重複する説明を適宜省略する。さらに、本発明を構成する各要素は、複数の要素を同一の部材で構成して一の部材で複数の要素を兼用する態様としてもよいし、逆に一の部材の機能を複数の部材で分担して実現することもできる。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. The description will be given in the following order.
<One embodiment>
<Modification>
<Application example>
The embodiments and the like described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and the content of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and the like.
It should be noted that the members shown in the claims are not specified as the members of the embodiment. In particular, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is limited to the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, directions such as up, down, left, and right of the constituent members described in the embodiments. It is not intended to be limited to , but is merely an example of explanation. It should be noted that the sizes and positional relationships of members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. In some cases, they may be illustrated or part of the illustration may be simplified. Furthermore, in the following description, the same names and symbols indicate the same or homogeneous members, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each of the elements constituting the present invention may be configured with the same member so that a single member may serve as a plurality of elements, or conversely, the function of one member may be performed by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing.
＜一実施形態＞
　本明細書では、電池セル（単セル）が金属ケースに収納されたものを電池ユニットと称し、複数の電池ユニットを備えるものを電池ユニット集合体と称する。電池ユニット集合体に対して、電池ユニットに対する保護動作等を行う制御ＩＣ(Integrated Circuit)が実装された制御基板が接続されたものを電池パックと称する。 <One embodiment>
In this specification, a battery unit in which battery cells (single cells) are housed in a metal case is referred to as a battery unit, and a battery unit assembly including a plurality of battery units is referred to as a battery unit assembly. A battery pack is a battery unit assembly to which a control board on which a control IC (Integrated Circuit) is mounted for performing protective operations and the like for the battery units is connected.
［電池ユニットの構成例］
（電池ユニットの概要）
　始めに、図１～図３を参照しつつ、本実施形態に係る電池ユニットの構成例について説明する。本実施形態では、２つのタイプの電池ユニット（電池ユニット１Ａ、１Ｂ）が存在する。始めに、電池ユニット１Ａについて説明する。図１および図２は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニット１Ａの斜視図である。また、図３は、電池ユニット１Ａの分解斜視図である。 [Configuration example of battery unit]
(Overview of battery unit)
First, a configuration example of a battery unit according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. In this embodiment, there are two types of battery units ( battery units 1A and 1B). First, the battery unit 1A will be described. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a battery unit 1A according to one embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery unit 1A.
　電池ユニット１Ａは、概略、直方体の形状を有している。以下の説明では特に断らない限り、電池ユニット１Ａの短手方向をＸ方向、電池ユニット１Ａの長手方向をＹ方向、電池ユニット１Ａの高さ方向をＺ方向と適宜、称する。また、電池ユニット１Ａの－Ｙ方向側に配置される端面（後述する正極タブおよび負極タブが露出する面）の側（テラスとも称される）をトップ側と適宜、称し、＋Ｙ方向側に配置される端面（トップ側とは反対側の端面）をボトム側と適宜、称する。また、－Ｚ方向を底面や底部、下側と適宜、称し、＋Ｚ方向を上面や上側と適宜、称する。 The battery unit 1A has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the lateral direction of the battery unit 1A is referred to as the X direction, the longitudinal direction of the battery unit 1A is referred to as the Y direction, and the height direction of the battery unit 1A is referred to as the Z direction. In addition, the side (also referred to as a terrace) of the battery unit 1A located on the −Y direction side (the surface where the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab described later are exposed) is appropriately referred to as the top side, and is located on the +Y direction side. The end face (the end face on the side opposite to the top side) is appropriately referred to as the bottom side. In addition, the −Z direction is referred to as the bottom surface, the bottom, or the lower side as appropriate, and the +Z direction is referred to as the upper surface or the upper side as appropriate.
　電池ユニット１Ａは、電池セル１０と、金属ケース２０と、ホルダ３０と、クッション部材４０とを備えている。 The battery unit 1A includes battery cells 10, a metal case 20, a holder 30, and a cushion member 40.
　電池セル１０は、概略、直方体の形状を有している。電池セル１０は、例えば、ラミネート型のリチウムイオン電池セルである。電池セル１０としては、公知の構成のものを適用することができる。 The battery cell 10 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery cell 10 is, for example, a laminated lithium ion battery cell. As the battery cell 10, one having a known configuration can be applied.
　電池セル１０の一例について、概略的に説明する。正極と負極とがセパレータを介して対向するように配置され、巻回（積層でもよい）されることで、電池素子が形成される。電池素子に対して、正極タブ（正極端子）と負極タブ（負極端子）が取り付けられた後、電池素子がフィルム状の外装部材の内部に封入される。外装部材としては、例えば、ナイロンフィルム、アルミニウム箔およびポリエチレンフィルムをこの順に張り合わせた矩形状のラミネートフィルムを用いることができる。係る構成を有する電池セル１０は、図３に示すように、トップ側端面１０１の底部側から正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂが導出される。正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂは、例えば、アルミニウム（Ａｌ）、銅（Ｃｕ）、ニッケル（Ｎｉ）、またはステンレスなどの金属材料によりそれぞれ構成される。 An example of the battery cell 10 will be schematically described. A battery element is formed by arranging a positive electrode and a negative electrode so as to face each other with a separator interposed therebetween and winding (or laminating) them. After the positive electrode tab (positive electrode terminal) and the negative electrode tab (negative electrode terminal) are attached to the battery element, the battery element is sealed inside the film-shaped exterior member. As the exterior member, for example, a rectangular laminated film obtained by laminating a nylon film, an aluminum foil and a polyethylene film in this order can be used. In the battery cell 10 having such a configuration, the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are led out from the bottom side of the top-side end surface 101, as shown in FIG. The positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are each made of a metal material such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or stainless steel.
　金属ケース２０は、電池セル１０を収納する部材である。金属ケース２０としては、アルミニウム、銅等を用いることができる。金属ケース２０は、平面視において略矩形である底面２１０を備える。底面２１０の周縁部からは、３個の側壁部が立設している。具体的には、底面２１０の長手方向の周縁からは、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２が上方に向かって立設している。第１の側壁部２０１の内面（金属ケース２０の内側に位置する面）と、第２の側壁部２０２の内面とが互いに対向している。また、金属ケース２０は、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２の延在方向（本例ではＹ方向）と略直交する方向（本例ではＸ方向）に延在する第３の側壁部２０３を備える。第３の側壁部２０３は、底面２１０のボトム側短手方向の周縁から上方に向かって立設している。 The metal case 20 is a member that houses the battery cells 10 . Aluminum, copper, or the like can be used as the metal case 20 . The metal case 20 has a bottom surface 210 that is substantially rectangular in plan view. Three side walls stand up from the periphery of the bottom surface 210 . Specifically, a first side wall portion 201 and a second side wall portion 202 are erected upward from the longitudinal edge of the bottom surface 210 . The inner surface of the first side wall portion 201 (the surface located inside the metal case 20) and the inner surface of the second side wall portion 202 face each other. In addition, the metal case 20 extends in a direction (X direction in this example) substantially orthogonal to the extending direction (Y direction in this example) of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 . A side wall portion 203 is provided. The third side wall portion 203 is erected upward from the bottom-side lateral edge of the bottom surface 210 .
　ホルダ３０は、電池セル１０のトップ側に取り付けられる部材である。ホルダ３０は、金属ケース２０に取り付けられることにより、電池セル１０を保持する。ホルダ３０は、例えば、樹脂により構成されている。 The holder 30 is a member attached to the top side of the battery cell 10 . Holder 30 holds battery cell 10 by being attached to metal case 20 . The holder 30 is made of resin, for example.
　クッション部材４０は、電池セル１０の上面に取り付けられる。クッション部材４０は、弾性を有する矩形の薄板状部材であり、電池セル１０を衝撃や振動等から保護する部材である。 The cushion member 40 is attached to the top surface of the battery cell 10 . The cushion member 40 is an elastic rectangular thin plate member that protects the battery cell 10 from impact, vibration, and the like.
（電池ユニットの詳細）
　次に、図１～図３に加え、図４～図９を併せて参照しつつ、電池ユニット１Ａの詳細について説明する。なお、以下の説明では、電池ユニット１Ａの製造方法の一例についても適宜、言及する。 (Details of the battery unit)
Next, details of the battery unit 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9 in addition to FIGS. In addition, in the following description, an example of the manufacturing method of the battery unit 1A will also be referred to as appropriate.
　図４および図５に示すように、電池セル１０のトップ側端面１０１からは、正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂが導出されている。正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂは、折り曲げられていない平坦な状態で導出されている。正極タブ１０２Ａは、略円形の孔部１０５Ａ、１０６Ａを備える。負極タブ１０２Ｂは、略円形の孔部１０５Ｂ、１０６Ｂを備える。 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a positive electrode tab 102A and a negative electrode tab 102B are led out from the top-side end face 101 of the battery cell 10. FIG. The positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are drawn out in a flat state without being bent. The positive electrode tab 102A has substantially circular holes 105A and 106A. The negative electrode tab 102B has substantially circular holes 105B and 106B.
　また、図４および図５に示すように、金属ケース２０の底面２１０には、両面テープ２１０Ａが設けられている。電池セル１０を金属ケース２０内に収納すると、電池セル１０の底面に両面テープ２１０Ａが貼合する。電池セル１０が金属ケース２０に両面テープ２１０Ａにより固定された状態で、電池セル１０のトップ側にホルダ３０が取り付けられる（図６参照）。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bottom surface 210 of the metal case 20 is provided with a double-sided tape 210A. When the battery cell 10 is housed in the metal case 20 , the double-sided tape 210A is attached to the bottom surface of the battery cell 10 . With the battery cell 10 fixed to the metal case 20 with the double-sided tape 210A, the holder 30 is attached to the top side of the battery cell 10 (see FIG. 6).
　図７に示すように、ホルダ３０は、概略、凹凸を備える四角柱の形状を有している。ホルダ３０は、Ｘ方向に沿って設けられる４個の孔部３０１Ａ、３０２Ａ、３０１Ｂ、３０２Ｂを備えている。孔部３０１Ａ、３０２Ａ、３０１Ｂ、３０２Ｂは、それぞれ、略円形の形状を有している。また、ホルダ３０のＸ方向における両側面には、爪部３０４Ａ、爪部３０５Ａが設けられる。例えば、第１の側壁部２０１に設けられた孔部２０１Ａ（図４および図５参照）に爪部３０４Ａが嵌め込まれる。また、例えば、第２の側壁部２０２に設けられた孔部２０２Ａ（図４および図５参照）に爪部３０５Ａが嵌合される。これにより、金属ケース２０とホルダ３０とが一体化される（図６参照）。 As shown in FIG. 7, the holder 30 has a substantially quadrangular prism shape with unevenness. The holder 30 has four holes 301A, 302A, 301B, and 302B provided along the X direction. The holes 301A, 302A, 301B, and 302B each have a substantially circular shape. Further, a claw portion 304A and a claw portion 305A are provided on both side surfaces of the holder 30 in the X direction. For example, the claw portion 304A is fitted into the hole portion 201A (see FIGS. 4 and 5) provided in the first side wall portion 201. As shown in FIG. Further, for example, the claw portion 305A is fitted into the hole portion 202A (see FIGS. 4 and 5) provided in the second side wall portion 202. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the metal case 20 and the holder 30 are integrated (see FIG. 6).
　ホルダ３０が取り付けられた後、正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂが折り曲げられる。例えば、正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂが、上方に向かって略９０度折り曲げられる。正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂが折り曲げられた状態では、タブの孔部とホルダ３０の孔部とが重なる位置となる。具体的には、正極タブ１０２Ａの孔部１０５Ａとホルダ３０の孔部３０１Ａとが重なり、正極タブ１０２Ａの孔部１０６Ａとホルダ３０の孔部３０２Ａとが重なる。また、負極タブ１０２Ｂの孔部１０５Ｂとホルダ３０の孔部３０１Ｂとが重なり、負極タブ１０２Ｂの孔部１０６Ｂとホルダ３０の孔部３０２Ｂとが重なる。正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂが折り曲げられた状態が図８に示されている。 After the holder 30 is attached, the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are bent. For example, the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are bent upward at approximately 90 degrees. When the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are bent, the holes of the tabs and the holes of the holder 30 overlap each other. Specifically, hole 105A of positive electrode tab 102A and hole 301A of holder 30 overlap, and hole 106A of positive electrode tab 102A and hole 302A of holder 30 overlap. Hole 105B of negative electrode tab 102B and hole 301B of holder 30 overlap, and hole 106B of negative electrode tab 102B and hole 302B of holder 30 overlap. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are bent.
　図８および図９に示すように、ホルダ３０を装着した場合に、正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂが導出される長さ（Ｙ方向の長さ）の分、ホルダ３０と電池セル１０との間に間隙ＳＰが生じ得る。間隙ＳＰには、例えば、溶融した樹脂（不図示）が充填される。樹脂が硬化することで間隙ＳＰが埋められる。 As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the holder 30 is attached, the distance between the holder 30 and the battery cell 10 is the length (the length in the Y direction) that the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B are led out. can create a gap SP. The gap SP is filled with, for example, molten resin (not shown). The gap SP is filled by curing the resin.
　最後に、電池セル１０の上面１０３にクッション部材４０が取り付けられる。例えば、クッション部材４０の底面４０１（図９参照）に両面テープが取り付けられる。当該両面テープを用いて、電池セル１０の上面１０３とクッション部材４０の底面４０１とが貼合される。これにより図１および図２に示した電池ユニット１Ａが完成する。勿論、上述した製造方法は一例であり、一部の工程の順序が入れ替わってもよいし、他の工程が付加されてもよい。 Finally, the cushion member 40 is attached to the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10 . For example, double-sided tape is attached to the bottom surface 401 (see FIG. 9) of the cushion member 40 . The double-sided tape is used to bond the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10 and the bottom surface 401 of the cushion member 40 together. Thereby, the battery unit 1A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is completed. Of course, the manufacturing method described above is an example, and the order of some steps may be changed, and other steps may be added.
　次に、図１０～図１４を参照しつつ、電池ユニット１Ａとは異なるタイプの電池ユニット１Ｂについて説明する。 Next, a battery unit 1B of a type different from the battery unit 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14. FIG.
　図１０および図１１は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニット１Ｂの斜視図である。図１２は、一実施形態に係る電池ユニット１Ｂの分解斜視図である。電池ユニット１Ｂが備える構成は、基本的に電池ユニット１Ａと同一である。電池ユニット１Ｂが電池ユニット１Ａと異なる点は、電池ユニット１Ｂの電池セル１０は、電池ユニット１Ａの電池セル１０を上下反転した点である。この結果、トップ側から視た正極タブ１０２Ａおよび負極タブ１０２Ｂの配置位置が左右反対となっている。その他の点、例えば、金属ケース２０の構成やホルダ３０の構成、クッション部材４０を備える点は、電池ユニット１Ａ、電池ユニット１Ｂとも同じである。 10 and 11 are perspective views of a battery unit 1B according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the battery unit 1B according to one embodiment. The configuration of the battery unit 1B is basically the same as that of the battery unit 1A. The battery unit 1B differs from the battery unit 1A in that the battery cells 10 of the battery unit 1B are the battery cells 10 of the battery unit 1A turned upside down. As a result, the arrangement positions of the positive electrode tab 102A and the negative electrode tab 102B viewed from the top side are left-right opposite. Other points, such as the configuration of the metal case 20, the configuration of the holder 30, and the provision of the cushion member 40, are the same for the battery unit 1A and the battery unit 1B.
　図１３～図１５を参照しつつ、電池ユニット１Ｂの製造方法の一例について説明する。電池ユニット１Ｂにおける製造方法の主な工程は、電池ユニット１Ａと同じである。以下、異なる点を中心に説明する。 An example of a method for manufacturing the battery unit 1B will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. FIG. The main steps of the manufacturing method for battery unit 1B are the same as those for battery unit 1A. In the following, the different points will be mainly described.
　金属ケース２０の底面２１０に両面テープ２１０Ａが貼り付けられる。両面テープ２１０Ａに電池セル１０が貼合される。電池ユニット１Ｂの電池セル１０は、電池ユニット１Ａの電池セル１０を上下反転したものである。すなわち、電池ユニット１Ａでは上面であった電池セル１０の上面１０３が底面となっている。図１３に示すように、係る底面（電池ユニット１Ａにおける上面１０３）が両面テープ２１０Ａに貼合される。反対に、電池ユニット１Ａの電池セル１０では底面であった面が、図１４に示すように、電池ユニット１Ｂの電池セル１０では上面１０４となっている。図１５に示すように、上面１０４にクッション部材４０の底面４０１に設けられた両面テープが貼合されることで、図１３および図１４に示した電池ユニット１Ｂが完成する。 A double-sided tape 210A is attached to the bottom surface 210 of the metal case 20. The battery cell 10 is attached to the double-sided tape 210A. The battery cell 10 of the battery unit 1B is obtained by upside down the battery cell 10 of the battery unit 1A. That is, the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10, which is the upper surface in the battery unit 1A, is the bottom surface. As shown in FIG. 13, the bottom surface (upper surface 103 in battery unit 1A) is attached to double-sided tape 210A. Conversely, the surface that was the bottom surface of the battery cell 10 of the battery unit 1A is the top surface 104 of the battery cell 10 of the battery unit 1B as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the double-faced tape provided on the bottom surface 401 of the cushion member 40 is adhered to the top surface 104 to complete the battery unit 1B shown in FIGS.
（側壁部の構成）
　次に、図１６および図１７を参照しつつ、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２の詳細について説明する。なお、以下の説明では、電池ユニット１Ａを例にして説明するが、電池ユニット１Ｂについても同様のことがあてはまる。 (Structure of side wall)
Next, details of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. In the following description, the battery unit 1A will be described as an example, but the same applies to the battery unit 1B.
　図１６に示すように、金属ケース２０の底面２１０の周縁から、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２が立設している。図示するように、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２の高さ（Ｚ方向の長さ）は、電池セル１０の厚み（Ｚ方向の長さ）よりも大きい。すなわち、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２は、電池セル１０の上面１０３（電池ユニット１Ｂの場合は上面１０４）よりも＋Ｚ方向に突出している。また、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２の高さは、電池セル１０およびクッション部材４０の厚みよりも大きい。すなわち、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２は、クッション部材４０の上面４０２（上述した底面４０１と反対側の面）よりも＋Ｚ方向に突出している。 As shown in FIG. 16 , a first side wall portion 201 and a second side wall portion 202 are erected from the periphery of the bottom surface 210 of the metal case 20 . As illustrated, the height (length in the Z direction) of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 is greater than the thickness (length in the Z direction) of the battery cell 10 . That is, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 protrude in the +Z direction from the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10 (the upper surface 104 in the case of the battery unit 1B). Also, the height of first side wall portion 201 and second side wall portion 202 is greater than the thickness of battery cell 10 and cushion member 40 . That is, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 protrude in the +Z direction from the upper surface 402 (the surface opposite to the bottom surface 401 described above) of the cushion member 40 .
　第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２の厚み（Ｘ方向の長さ）は、例えば、０．３ｍｍと薄い。厚みが薄いことから、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２は、ばね性を有する弾性片として機能する。係るばね性により、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２は、電池セル１０とは反対側である外側に向かって変位可能とされる。 The thickness (length in the X direction) of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 is as thin as 0.3 mm, for example. Since the thickness is thin, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 function as elastic pieces having spring properties. Due to this springiness, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 can be displaced toward the outside, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
　図１７Ａに示すように、第１の側壁部２０１は、底面２１０から略垂直に立設する壁部２２１Ａ（第１の壁部の例）と、壁部２２１Ａの先端から電池セル１０とは反対側の外側に向かって屈曲する屈曲部２２１Ｂと、屈曲部２２１Ｂの先端から底面２１０と略垂直な方向に延在する壁部２２１Ｃ（第２の壁部の例）とを備えている。壁部２２１Ａ、屈曲部２２１Ｂ、および、壁部２２１Ｃは、例えば、連続的、且つ、一体的に形成されている。それぞれが別個に形成され、接着等により一体化されてもよい。屈曲部から上の箇所、例えば、第１の側壁部２０１のうち、屈曲部２２１Ｂと壁部２２１Ｃとは、電池セル１０とは反対側である外側に向かって変位可能とされる。 As shown in FIG. 17A, the first side wall portion 201 includes a wall portion 221A (an example of the first wall portion) erected substantially vertically from the bottom surface 210, and a wall portion 221A extending from the tip of the wall portion 221A to the opposite side of the battery cell 10. As shown in FIG. and a wall portion 221C (an example of a second wall portion) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 210 from the tip of the bent portion 221B. The wall portion 221A, the bent portion 221B, and the wall portion 221C are formed continuously and integrally, for example. Each may be formed separately and integrated by adhesion or the like. A portion above the bent portion, for example, the bent portion 221B and the wall portion 221C of the first side wall portion 201 can be displaced toward the outside, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
　図１７Ｂに示すように、第２の側壁部２０２は、底面２１０から略垂直に立設する壁部２２２Ａ（第１の壁部の例）と、壁部２２２Ａの先端から電池セル１０とは反対側の外側に向かって屈曲する屈曲部２２２Ｂと、屈曲部２２２Ｂの先端から底面２１０と略垂直な方向に延在する壁部２２２Ｃ（第２の壁部の例）とを備えている。壁部２２２Ａ、屈曲部２２２Ｂ、および、壁部２２２Ｃは連続的、且つ、一体的に形成されている。それぞれが別個に形成され、接着等により一体化されてもよい。屈曲部から上の箇所、例えば、第２の側壁部２０２のうち、屈曲部２２２Ｂと壁部２２２Ｃとは、電池セル１０とは反対側である外側に向かって変位可能とされる。 As shown in FIG. 17B, the second side wall portion 202 includes a wall portion 222A (an example of the first wall portion) that stands substantially vertically from the bottom surface 210, and a wall portion 222A extending from the tip of the wall portion 222A to the opposite side of the battery cell 10. As shown in FIG. and a wall portion 222C (an example of a second wall portion) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 210 from the tip of the bent portion 222B. The wall portion 222A, the bent portion 222B, and the wall portion 222C are formed continuously and integrally. Each may be formed separately and integrated by adhesion or the like. A portion above the bent portion, for example, the bent portion 222B and the wall portion 222C of the second side wall portion 202 can be displaced toward the outside, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
　係る第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２の形状により、図１６に示すように、第１の側壁部２０１の内面２１１と第２の側壁部２０２の内面２１２との間の距離は、底面２１０側（距離ＤＡ）よりも当該底面２１０側とは反対側である端部側（金属ケース２０の開放端側であり、距離ＤＢ）の方が大きくなっている。 Due to the shapes of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202, the distance between the inner surface 211 of the first side wall portion 201 and the inner surface 212 of the second side wall portion 202 is , the end portion side opposite to the bottom surface 210 side (the open end side of the metal case 20 and the distance DB) is larger than the bottom surface 210 side (distance DA).
　なお、本実施形態では、図１７Ａに示すように、第１の側壁部２０１の壁部２２１Ａの内面と電池セル１０の側面とが接触している。また、図１７Ｂに示すように、第２の側壁部２０２の壁部２２２Ａの内面と電池セル１０の側面とが接触している。それぞれの壁部の内面と電池セル１０の側面とは必ずしも接触している必要はないが、接触することにより電池セル１０の位置決めや保持を行うことができる。従って、壁部２２１Ａ、２２２Ａのそれぞれの内面と電池セル１０の側面とが接触していることが好ましい。 Note that, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17A, the inner surface of the wall portion 221A of the first side wall portion 201 and the side surface of the battery cell 10 are in contact with each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, the inner surface of wall portion 222A of second side wall portion 202 and the side surface of battery cell 10 are in contact with each other. The inner surface of each wall portion and the side surface of the battery cell 10 do not necessarily have to be in contact with each other, but the contact enables positioning and holding of the battery cell 10 . Therefore, it is preferable that the inner surfaces of the wall portions 221A and 222A and the side surfaces of the battery cell 10 are in contact with each other.
　次に、図１８を参照しつつ、第３の側壁部２０３について説明する。第３の側壁部２０３の高さや厚みは、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２と略同じ高さや厚みとされている。従って、第３の側壁部２０３は、電池セル１０の上面１０３（電池ユニット１Ｂの場合は上面１０４）よりも＋Ｚ方向に突出している。また、第３の側壁部２０３の高さは、電池セル１０およびクッション部材４０の厚みよりも大きい。すなわち、第３の側壁部２０３は、クッション部材４０の上面４０２（上述した底面４０１と反対側の面）よりも＋Ｚ方向に突出している。 Next, the third side wall portion 203 will be described with reference to FIG. The height and thickness of the third side wall portion 203 are substantially the same as those of the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 . Therefore, the third side wall portion 203 protrudes in the +Z direction from the upper surface 103 of the battery cell 10 (the upper surface 104 in the case of the battery unit 1B). Also, the height of the third side wall portion 203 is greater than the thicknesses of the battery cells 10 and the cushion members 40 . That is, the third side wall portion 203 protrudes in the +Z direction from the upper surface 402 of the cushion member 40 (the surface opposite to the bottom surface 401 described above).
　第３の側壁部２０３の厚み（Ｙ方向の長さ）は、例えば、０．３ｍｍと薄い。厚みが薄いことから、第３の側壁部２０３は、ばね性を有する弾性片として機能する。係るばね性により、第３の側壁部２０３は、電池セル１０とは反対側である外側に向かって変位可能とされる。 The thickness (length in the Y direction) of the third side wall portion 203 is as thin as 0.3 mm, for example. Since the thickness is thin, the third side wall portion 203 functions as an elastic piece having spring properties. Due to this springiness, the third side wall portion 203 can be displaced outward, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
　第３の側壁部２０３は、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２と同様の形状を有している。すなわち、第３の側壁部２０３は、図１８に示すように、底面２１０から略垂直に立設する壁部２２３Ａ（第１の壁部の例）と、壁部２２３Ａの先端から電池セル１０とは反対側の外側に向かって屈曲する屈曲部２２３Ｂと、屈曲部２２３Ｂの先端から底面２１０と略垂直な方向に延在する壁部２２３Ｃ（第２の壁部の例）とを備えている。壁部２２３Ａ、屈曲部２２３Ｂ、および、壁部２２３Ｃは連続的、且つ、一体的に形成されている。それぞれが別個に形成され、接着等により一体化されてもよい。屈曲部から上の箇所、例えば、第３の側壁部２０３のうち、屈曲部２２３Ｂと壁部２２３Ｃとは、電池セル１０とは反対側である外側に向かって変位可能とされる。 The third side wall portion 203 has the same shape as the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 . That is, as shown in FIG. 18, the third side wall portion 203 includes a wall portion 223A (an example of a first wall portion) erected substantially vertically from the bottom surface 210, and a battery cell 10 extending from the tip of the wall portion 223A. has a bent portion 223B bent outward on the opposite side, and a wall portion 223C (an example of a second wall portion) extending from the tip of the bent portion 223B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 210 . The wall portion 223A, the bent portion 223B, and the wall portion 223C are formed continuously and integrally. Each may be formed separately and integrated by adhesion or the like. A portion above the bent portion, for example, the bent portion 223B and the wall portion 223C of the third side wall portion 203 can be displaced toward the outside, which is the side opposite to the battery cell 10 .
　係る第３の側壁部２０３の形状により、第３の側壁部２０３における壁部２２３Ａの内面と電池セル１０の端面（ボトム側端面）との間の距離（底面部側の距離ＤＣ）よりも、壁部２２３Ｃの内面と電池セル１０の端面（ボトム側端面）との間の距離（端部側の距離ＤＤ）の方が大きくなっている。なお、電池セル１０の位置決めや保持を行うことができる観点から、壁部２２３Ａの内面と電池セル１０のボトム側端面とは接触していることが好ましい。換言すれば、距離ＤＣ＝０であることが好ましい。また、第３の側壁部２０３は、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２と離れている構成がばね性の観点から好ましい。係る構成により、第３の側壁部２０３が変位する際に、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２により干渉されることなく変位することができ、第３の側壁部２０３のばね性を発現することができる。第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２が変位する際も同様のことが言える。 Due to the shape of the third side wall portion 203, the distance between the inner surface of the wall portion 223A in the third side wall portion 203 and the end face (bottom side end face) of the battery cell 10 (distance DC on the bottom side) is The distance between the inner surface of the wall portion 223C and the end face (bottom side end face) of the battery cell 10 (distance DD on the end portion side) is larger. From the viewpoint of positioning and holding the battery cell 10, it is preferable that the inner surface of the wall portion 223A and the bottom-side end surface of the battery cell 10 are in contact with each other. In other words, it is preferable that the distance DC=0. Further, it is preferable that the third side wall portion 203 is separated from the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 from the viewpoint of springiness. With such a configuration, when the third side wall portion 203 is displaced, it can be displaced without being interfered by the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202, and the spring property of the third side wall portion 203 can be improved. can be expressed. The same applies when the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 are displaced.
［電池ユニット集合体］
　次に、電池ユニット集合体について説明する。電池ユニット１Ａ、１Ｂが積み重ねられ、電気的に接続されることにより、電池ユニット集合体が完成する。電池ユニット集合体に対して、制御ＩＣ等が実装された制御基板が電気的に接続されることにより電池パックが完成する。電池パックが適宜な負荷に接続される。 [Battery unit assembly]
Next, the battery unit assembly will be described. A battery unit assembly is completed by stacking and electrically connecting the battery units 1A and 1B. A battery pack is completed by electrically connecting a control board on which a control IC and the like are mounted to the battery unit assembly. A battery pack is connected to an appropriate load.
　図１９～図２１を参照しつつ、本実施形態に係る電池ユニット集合体（電池ユニット集合体２）について説明する。図１９に示すように、例えば、６個の電池ユニットが積み重ねられる。具体的には、最も下側に電池ユニット１Ｂが配置される。そして、当該電池ユニット１Ｂの上に電池ユニット１Ａが配置される。以降、異なるタイプの電池ユニットが互い違いとなるように積み重ねられる。例えば、下側から電池ユニット１Ｂ、１Ａ、１Ｂ、１Ａ、１Ｂ、１Ａと、６個の電池ユニットが積み重ねられ、これにより、図２０に示す電池ユニット集合体２が形成される。より具体的には、６個の電池ユニットが積み重ねられた状態で上下方向から内側に圧力が印加されることで各電池ユニットのクッション部材４０が圧縮する。圧縮した状態で保持部材（詳細は後述）により６個の電池ユニットが一体化され、電池ユニット集合体２が形成される。なお、以下の説明では、下側から１層目、２層目・・と適宜、称する。 A battery unit assembly (battery unit assembly 2) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21. FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, for example, six battery units are stacked. Specifically, the battery unit 1B is arranged on the lowest side. Then, the battery unit 1A is arranged on the battery unit 1B. Thereafter, different types of battery units are stacked in a staggered manner. For example, battery units 1B, 1A, 1B, 1A, 1B, 1A are stacked from the bottom, and six battery units are stacked to form the battery unit assembly 2 shown in FIG. More specifically, the cushion member 40 of each battery unit is compressed by applying pressure inward from the top and bottom while the six battery units are stacked. The six battery units are integrated in a compressed state by a holding member (details will be described later) to form a battery unit assembly 2 . In the following description, the first layer, the second layer, and so on from the bottom are referred to as appropriate.
　電池ユニット集合体２を構成する各電池ユニットの電気的な接続は、例えば、金属製のバスバーを用いて行われる。具体的には、図２１に示すように、１層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの負極タブ１０２Ｂと２層目の電池ユニット１Ａの正極タブ１０２Ａとがバスバー５１Ａによって電気的に接続される。バスバー５１Ａには、負極タブ１０２Ｂの孔部１０５Ｂ、１０６Ｂ、および、正極タブ１０２Ａの孔部１０５Ａ、１０６Ａに通じる４個の孔部（不図示）が設けられている。係る孔部にネジが螺合されることにより、１層目の負極タブ１０２Ｂと２層目の正極タブ１０２Ａとが電気的に接続される。同様にして、２層目の電池ユニット１Ａの負極タブ１０２Ｂと３層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの正極タブ１０２Ａとがバスバー５１Ｂによって電気的に接続される。３層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの負極タブ１０２Ｂと４層目の電池ユニット１Ａの正極タブ１０２Ａとがバスバー５１Ｃによって電気的に接続される。４層目の電池ユニット１Ａの負極タブ１０２Ｂと５層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの正極タブ１０２Ａとがバスバー５１Ｄによって電気的に接続される。５層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの負極タブ１０２Ｂと６層目の電池ユニット１Ａの正極タブ１０２Ａとがバスバー５１Ｅによって電気的に接続される。１層目の正極タブ１０２Ａおよび６層目の負極タブ１０２Ｂは、外部出力端子（不図示）と接続される。１層目の正極タブ１０２Ａおよび６層目の負極タブ１０２Ｂそのものが外部出力端子として機能してもよい。以上説明した接続態様により、６個の電池ユニットが直列接続された電池ユニット集合体２を実現することができる。例えば、１個の電池ユニットの出力電圧を４Ｖとした場合、本例に係る電池ユニット集合体２の出力電圧は２４Ｖになる。 The electrical connection of each battery unit constituting the battery unit assembly 2 is performed using, for example, metal bus bars. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, negative electrode tab 102B of first-layer battery unit 1B and positive electrode tab 102A of second-layer battery unit 1A are electrically connected by bus bar 51A. Bus bar 51A is provided with four holes (not shown) communicating with holes 105B and 106B of negative electrode tab 102B and holes 105A and 106A of positive electrode tab 102A. By screwing a screw into the hole, the negative electrode tab 102B on the first layer and the positive electrode tab 102A on the second layer are electrically connected. Similarly, the negative electrode tab 102B of the battery unit 1A in the second layer and the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1B in the third layer are electrically connected by the bus bar 51B. Negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1B on the third layer and positive electrode tab 102A of battery unit 1A on the fourth layer are electrically connected by bus bar 51C. Negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1A on the fourth layer and positive electrode tab 102A of battery unit 1B on the fifth layer are electrically connected by bus bar 51D. Negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1B on the fifth layer and positive electrode tab 102A of battery unit 1A on the sixth layer are electrically connected by bus bar 51E. The positive electrode tab 102A on the first layer and the negative electrode tab 102B on the sixth layer are connected to an external output terminal (not shown). The first-layer positive electrode tab 102A and the sixth-layer negative electrode tab 102B themselves may function as external output terminals. With the connection mode described above, it is possible to realize the battery unit assembly 2 in which the six battery units are connected in series. For example, when the output voltage of one battery unit is 4V, the output voltage of the battery unit assembly 2 according to this example is 24V.
　なお、複数の電池ユニットの接続態様は適宜、変更可能である。例えば、電池ユニット集合体２は、図２２に示すように、４個の電池ユニットが積み重ねられた構成であってもよい。具体的には、電池ユニット集合体２は、１層目から電池ユニット１Ａ、１Ａ、１Ｂ、１Ｂが積み重ねられた構成であってもよい。係る構成において、１層目の電池ユニット１Ａの正極タブ１０２Ａと２層目の電池ユニット１Ａの正極タブ１０２Ａとがバスバー５１Ｆによって電気的に接続される。１層目の電池ユニット１Ａの負極タブ１０２Ｂと、２層目の電池ユニット１Ａの負極タブ１０２Ｂと、３層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの正極タブ１０２Ａと、４層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの正極タブ１０２Ａとがバスバー５１Ｇによって電気的に接続される。３層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの負極タブ１０２Ｂと４層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの負極タブ１０２Ｂとがバスバー５１Ｈによって電気的に接続される。係る接続態様により２直列２並列（２Ｐ２Ｓ）接続の電池ユニット集合体２を実現できる。 It should be noted that the connection mode of the plurality of battery units can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the battery unit assembly 2 may have a structure in which four battery units are stacked. Specifically, the battery unit assembly 2 may have a configuration in which the battery units 1A, 1A, 1B, and 1B are stacked from the first layer. In such a configuration, the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1A in the first layer and the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1A in the second layer are electrically connected by the bus bar 51F. The negative electrode tab 102B of the battery unit 1A of the first layer, the negative electrode tab 102B of the battery unit 1A of the second layer, the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1B of the third layer, and the positive electrode tab 102A of the battery unit 1B of the fourth layer. are electrically connected by a bus bar 51G. Negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1B in the third layer and negative electrode tab 102B of battery unit 1B in the fourth layer are electrically connected by bus bar 51H. With such a connection mode, it is possible to realize a battery unit assembly 2 of 2-series-2-parallel (2P2S) connection.
　図２３は、電池ユニット集合体２のうち、上下方向（Ｚ方向）で隣接する２個の電池ユニットを取り出して示した図である。図２３に示す２個の電池ユニットは、例えば、１層目の電池ユニット１Ｂ（第１の電池ユニットの一例）および２層目の電池ユニット１Ａ（第２の電池ユニットの一例）である。勿論、２個の電池ユニットは、他の電池ユニット（例えば、４層目の電池ユニット１Ａと５層目の電池ユニット１Ｂ）であってもよい。また、図２３は、例えば、６個の電池ユニットの上下方向（若しくは上方向）から圧力が印加され、クッション部材４０が圧縮した状態が示されている。 FIG. 23 is a diagram showing two battery units that are adjacent in the vertical direction (Z direction) from the battery unit assembly 2. As shown in FIG. The two battery units shown in FIG. 23 are, for example, a first-layer battery unit 1B (an example of a first battery unit) and a second-layer battery unit 1A (an example of a second battery unit). Of course, the two battery units may be other battery units (for example, battery unit 1A in the fourth layer and battery unit 1B in the fifth layer). Further, FIG. 23 shows a state in which, for example, pressure is applied from the vertical direction (or upward direction) to six battery units, and the cushion member 40 is compressed.
　図２３に示す状態で、１層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの第１の側壁部２０１の一部と、２層目の電池ユニット１Ａの第１の側壁部２０１の一部とがオーバーラップしている。また、電池ユニット１Ｂの第２の側壁部２０２の一部と、電池ユニット１Ａの第２の側壁部２０２の一部とがオーバーラップしている。 In the state shown in FIG. 23, a portion of the first sidewall portion 201 of the first-layer battery unit 1B and a portion of the first sidewall portion 201 of the second-layer battery unit 1A overlap. . A portion of the second side wall portion 202 of the battery unit 1B and a portion of the second side wall portion 202 of the battery unit 1A overlap.
　より具体的には、電池ユニット１Ｂの第１の側壁部２０１の上端部側内面（例えば、壁部２２１Ｃの内面の一部）と、電池ユニット１Ａの第１の側壁部２０１の下端側外面（例えば、壁部２２１Ａの外面の一部）とがオーバーラップしている。また、電池ユニット１Ｂの第２の側壁部２０２の上端部側内面（例えば、壁部２２２Ｃの内面の一部）と、電池ユニット１Ａの第２の側壁部２０２の下端側外面（例えば、壁部２２２Ａの外面の一部）とがオーバーラップしている。なお、本明細書においてオーバーラップしているとは、所定方向（本例ではＹ方向）から２つのものを視たときに重なっている領域が存在し、当該重なっている領域が近接して対向している若しくは接触していることを意味する。 More specifically, the upper end side inner surface of the first side wall portion 201 of the battery unit 1B (for example, a part of the inner surface of the wall portion 221C) and the lower end side outer surface of the first side wall portion 201 of the battery unit 1A ( For example, a portion of the outer surface of the wall portion 221A) overlaps. Moreover, the upper end side inner surface of the second side wall portion 202 of the battery unit 1B (for example, part of the inner surface of the wall portion 222C) and the lower end side outer surface of the second side wall portion 202 of the battery unit 1A (for example, the wall portion) 222A) overlap. In this specification, overlapping means that there is an overlapping area when two objects are viewed from a predetermined direction (the Y direction in this example), and the overlapping areas are close and face each other. means to be in contact with or in contact with.
　図２３では、１層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの第１の側壁部２０１の一部と、２層目の電池ユニット１Ａの第１の側壁部２０１の一部とが若干の間隙をもってオーバーラップしているが、両者が接触してもよい。 In FIG. 23, a portion of the first side wall portion 201 of the battery unit 1B in the first layer and a portion of the first side wall portion 201 of the battery unit 1A in the second layer overlap with a slight gap. but they may contact each other.
　上述したオーバーラップする箇所を設けることにより、電池ユニット集合体２における耐衝撃性および耐振動性を向上させることができる。例えば、電池ユニット集合体２に対する振動により電池ユニット１Ｂ、１Ａに対してＹ方向への力がかかったとする。この場合、オーバーラップしている外側の構成（例えば、１層目の電池ユニット１Ｂの第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２）が内側の構成（例えば、２層目の電池ユニット１Ａの第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２）を受け止めるように作用することで、上側の電池ユニット１Ａの位置ズレを効果的に抑制できる。さらに、第１の側壁部２０１および第２の側壁部２０２はばね性を有し外側に変位可能とされているため、振動や衝撃を吸収しつつ上側の電池ユニット１Ａの位置ズレを効果的に抑制できる。また、上述したように、壁部２２１Ａ、２２２Ａの内面が電池セル１０と接触するようにすれば、新たな部品を追加することなく、電池セル１０の位置ずれを防止しつつ、耐振動性を向上させることができる。 By providing the above-described overlapping portions, the impact resistance and vibration resistance of the battery unit assembly 2 can be improved. For example, it is assumed that vibration of the battery unit assembly 2 causes force in the Y direction to be applied to the battery units 1B and 1A. In this case, the overlapping outer configuration (for example, the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 of the first layer battery unit 1B) is the inner configuration (for example, the second layer battery unit 1A By acting to receive the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202), the positional deviation of the upper battery unit 1A can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, since the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 have a spring property and can be displaced outward, the displacement of the upper battery unit 1A can be effectively prevented while absorbing vibration and impact. can be suppressed. Further, as described above, if the inner surfaces of the wall portions 221A and 222A are brought into contact with the battery cell 10, vibration resistance can be improved while preventing the battery cell 10 from being dislocated without adding a new component. can be improved.
　なお、上述した例は、クッション部材４０が圧縮された例であったが、必ずしも圧縮されている必要はない。例えば、積み重ねられた電池ユニット１Ｂ、１Ａに対して圧力が印加されていない状態、すなわち、クッション部材４０が圧縮していない状態でオーバーラップする領域が生じる構成でもよい。但し、クッション部材４０の圧縮の有無に関わらず、オーバーラップする箇所が屈曲部の箇所を含まない方が好ましい。屈曲部の箇所を含むと、衝撃や振動が印加された際に、下側に位置する第１の側壁部２０１や第２の側壁部２０２が変形や破損する虞が高くなるからである。 Although the above example is an example in which the cushion member 40 is compressed, it does not necessarily have to be compressed. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which an overlapping region is generated in a state in which no pressure is applied to the stacked battery units 1B and 1A, ie, a state in which the cushion member 40 is not compressed. However, regardless of whether or not the cushion member 40 is compressed, it is preferable that the overlapped portion does not include the bent portion. This is because if the curved portion is included, there is a high possibility that the first side wall portion 201 and the second side wall portion 202 located on the lower side will be deformed or damaged when impact or vibration is applied.
　また、図示はしていないが、上下の電池ユニットのそれぞれの第３の側壁部２０３についても同様のことが言える。すなわち、上下の第３の側壁部２０３についてもオーバーラップする箇所を設けることにより、Ｘ方向にかかる振動や衝撃を効果的に抑制することができる。 Although not shown, the same can be said for the third side wall portions 203 of the upper and lower battery units. That is, by providing overlapping portions also for the upper and lower third side wall portions 203, it is possible to effectively suppress vibrations and impacts in the X direction.
［保持部材］
　電池ユニット集合体２を構成する６個の電池ユニットは、積み重ねただけでは脱落等が生じ得る。従って、本実施形態では、保持部材を用いて、６個の電池ユニットを強固に固定する。以下、電池ユニット集合体２が備える保持部材の複数の例や、６個の電池ユニットの固定方法の例について説明する。 [Holding member]
The six battery units forming the battery unit assembly 2 may fall off or the like if they are simply stacked. Therefore, in this embodiment, the holding member is used to firmly fix the six battery units. A plurality of examples of holding members included in the battery unit assembly 2 and examples of fixing methods for six battery units will be described below.
（第１の例）
　図２４から図２６を参照しつつ、保持部材の第１の例について説明する。第１の例に係る保持部材は、金属板６１Ａ、６１Ｂを備える。金属板６１Ａは、最上部に配置される電池ユニット１Ａの上面に載置される。金属板６１Ａの上面の周縁には、複数個（本例では、８個）の突起６２Ａが設けられている。突起６２Ａは、Ｘ方向の周縁（ボトム側の周縁）に２個、Ｙ方向のそれぞれの周縁に３個ずつ設けられている。金属板６１Ｂは、最下部に配置される電池ユニット１Ｂの底面に配置される。金属板６１Ｂの底面の周縁には、複数個（本例では、８個）の突起６２Ｂが設けられている。突起６２Ｂは、突起６２Ａと同様に、Ｘ方向の周縁（ボトム側の周縁）に２個、Ｙ方向のそれぞれの周縁に３個ずつ設けられている。金属板６１Ａ、６１Ｂは、積み重ねられた６個の電池ユニットの上下面を保護する保護板として機能する。 (first example)
A first example of the holding member will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26. FIG. The holding member according to the first example includes metal plates 61A and 61B. 61 A of metal plates are mounted on the upper surface of the battery unit 1A arrange|positioned at the top. A plurality of (eight in this example) projections 62A are provided on the periphery of the upper surface of the metal plate 61A. Two protrusions 62A are provided on the periphery in the X direction (periphery on the bottom side), and three protrusions are provided on each periphery in the Y direction. The metal plate 61B is arranged on the bottom surface of the battery unit 1B arranged at the bottom. A plurality of (eight in this example) protrusions 62B are provided on the periphery of the bottom surface of the metal plate 61B. Like the protrusion 62A, two protrusions 62B are provided on the X-direction peripheral edge (bottom-side peripheral edge) and three on each Y-direction peripheral edge. The metal plates 61A and 61B function as protective plates that protect the upper and lower surfaces of the six stacked battery units.
　また、第１の例に係る保持部材は、金属板６３、６４、６５を備えている。金属板６３は、Ｙ方向から視た端面の形状がコ字状（Ｕ字状）となっている。金属板６３の対向する２個の壁部には、それぞれ半円状の切り欠き６３Ａが３個ずつ設けられている。金属板６４は、Ｙ方向から視た端面の形状がコ字状（Ｕ字状）となっている。金属板６４の対向する２個の壁部には、それぞれ半円状の切り欠き６４Ａが３個ずつ設けられている。金属板６５は、Ｘ方向から視た端面の形状がコ字状（Ｕ字状）となっている。金属板６５の対向する２個の壁部には、それぞれ半円状の切り欠き６５Ａが２個ずつ設けられている。 Also, the holding member according to the first example includes metal plates 63 , 64 , 65 . The metal plate 63 has a U-shaped end surface when viewed from the Y direction. Two walls of the metal plate 63 facing each other are provided with three semicircular notches 63A, respectively. The metal plate 64 has a U-shaped end surface when viewed in the Y direction. Three semicircular cutouts 64A are provided in each of the two opposing walls of the metal plate 64 . The metal plate 65 has a U-shaped end surface when viewed from the X direction. Two opposing wall portions of the metal plate 65 are provided with two semicircular notches 65A, respectively.
　６個の電池ユニットに対して上下方向から内側に向かう圧力を印加した状態、すなわち、各電池ユニットのクッション部材４０を圧縮した状態で、金属板６３、６４、６５が嵌め込まれる。金属板６３、６４は、タブが露出する面と略直交する側面に、金属板６５は、タブが露出する面と反対側の面に嵌め込まれる。具体的には、各金属板の切り欠きが対応する突起６２Ａ、６２Ｂに嵌め込まれる。圧縮したクッション部材４０の復元力によって金属板６３、６４、６５と６個の電池ユニットとが密着し、図２５に示すように、６個の電池ユニットが一体化される。 The metal plates 63, 64, and 65 are fitted in a state in which pressure is applied to the six battery units inward from the vertical direction, that is, in a state in which the cushion member 40 of each battery unit is compressed. The metal plates 63 and 64 are fitted to the side surface substantially orthogonal to the tab exposed surface, and the metal plate 65 is fitted to the surface opposite to the tab exposed surface. Specifically, the notches of each metal plate are fitted into the corresponding projections 62A and 62B. The restoring force of the compressed cushion member 40 brings the metal plates 63, 64, 65 into close contact with the six battery units, thereby integrating the six battery units as shown in FIG.
　突起６２Ａおよび突起６２Ｂには、ねじ山が形成されて雄ねじになっており、突起６２Ａおよび突起６２Ｂにナット６７が螺合されることによって、図２６に示すように、金属板６３、６４、６５と６個の電池ユニットとがさらに強固に密着し、６個の電池ユニットが一体化される。 Threads are formed on the protrusions 62A and 62B to form male threads, and by screwing nuts 67 onto the protrusions 62A and 62B, metal plates 63, 64, and 65 are formed as shown in FIG. and the six battery units are further firmly attached to each other, and the six battery units are integrated.
（第２の例）
　図２７を参照しつつ、保持部材の第２の例を説明する。図２７に示すように、保持部材は、６個の電池ユニットの周囲に取り付けられ、６個の電池ユニットを拘束するバンド部材７１、７２であってもよい。なお、バンド部材は１個でもよいし、３個以上あってもよい。 (Second example)
A second example of the holding member will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 27, the holding members may be band members 71 and 72 that are attached around the six battery units and bind the six battery units. The number of band members may be one, or three or more.
（第３の例）
　図２８Ａおよび図２８Ｂを参照しつつ、保持部材の第３の例を説明する。図２８Ａに示すように、６個の電池ユニットの上下に外装板７５、７６を配置する。外装板７５、７６としては、金属板や樹脂板を用いることができる。外装板７５、７６に対して連結部材の一例であるバンド部材７７が取り付けられる。バンド部材７７は、外装板７５、７６に挿通され、且つ、電池ユニット集合体２の周囲全体に巻き付けられる。図２８Ｂに示すように、バンド部材７７は、例えば、４個のバンド部材７７Ａ～７７Ｄを含む。バンド部材７７は、長さの調整が可能とされており、長さを適宜、調整することにより、６個の電池ユニットが外装板７５、７６により内側に圧縮されながら固定される。 (Third example)
A third example of the holding member will be described with reference to FIGS. 28A and 28B. As shown in FIG. 28A, exterior plates 75 and 76 are arranged above and below the six battery units. A metal plate or a resin plate can be used as the exterior plates 75 and 76 . A band member 77 , which is an example of a connecting member, is attached to the exterior plates 75 and 76 . The band member 77 is inserted through the exterior plates 75 and 76 and wrapped around the entire periphery of the battery unit assembly 2 . As shown in FIG. 28B, band member 77 includes, for example, four band members 77A-77D. The band member 77 is adjustable in length, and by appropriately adjusting the length, the six battery units are fixed while being compressed inward by the outer plates 75 and 76 .
（第４の例）
　図２９Ａおよび図２９Ｂを参照しつつ、保持部材の第４の例を説明する。図２９Ａに示すように、６個の電池ユニットが、各電池ユニットのクッション部材４０を圧縮しつつ、収納部材８１に包み込まれるように収納される。収納部材８１としては、金属製の箱や樹脂製の箱を用いることができる。収納部材８１に対してねじ８２が螺合されることで、収納部材８１が閉塞される。なお、収納部材８１は、図２９Ｂに示すように、公知のロック部品８３により固定されることで閉塞されてもよい。 (Fourth example)
A fourth example of the holding member will be described with reference to FIGS. 29A and 29B. As shown in FIG. 29A, six battery units are housed so as to be wrapped in housing member 81 while compressing cushion member 40 of each battery unit. As the storage member 81, a metal box or a resin box can be used. The housing member 81 is closed by screwing the screw 82 into the housing member 81 . Note that the storage member 81 may be closed by being fixed by a known lock component 83, as shown in FIG. 29B.
（第５の例）
　図３０Ａおよび図３０Ｂを参照しつつ、保持部材の第５の例について説明する。図３０Ａに示すように、６個の電池ユニットの上側に金属板８４が配置される。金属板８４を用いて６個の電池ユニットを圧縮しながら、６個の電池ユニットおよび金属板８４が金属製の箱８５に収納される。箱８５の周囲には、適宜な数の孔部８５Ａが設けられている。金属板８４は、６個の電池ユニットの最上部に位置するクッション部材４０等を保護する保護板でもある。 (Fifth example)
A fifth example of the holding member will be described with reference to FIGS. 30A and 30B. As shown in FIG. 30A, a metal plate 84 is arranged above the six battery units. The six battery units and the metal plate 84 are housed in a metal box 85 while the metal plate 84 is used to compress the six battery units. An appropriate number of holes 85A are provided around the box 85. As shown in FIG. The metal plate 84 also serves as a protective plate that protects the cushion members 40 and the like positioned at the top of the six battery units.
　図３０Ｂは、６個の電池ユニットおよび金属板８４が箱８５に収納された状態の断面を示す。なお、図３０Ｂでは、説明の便宜を考慮して、６個の電池ユニットについては、タブが露出する面を示している。図３０Ｂに示すように、孔部８５Ａからボンドや液状の樹脂（以下、樹脂ＧＲと適宜、総称する）を箱８５の内部に注入する。同様にして他の孔部８５Ａを介して樹脂ＧＲが注入される。内部に注入された樹脂ＧＲ等が硬化することで、電池ユニットと箱８５の内面との間ＳＰＡに接着部８６が形成される。接着部８６により、箱８５の内面と６個の電池ユニットの外面とが接着され、これにより、６個の電池ユニットが箱８５に対して固定される。 FIG. 30B shows a cross section of the six battery units and the metal plate 84 housed in the box 85. FIG. In addition, in FIG. 30B , for the convenience of explanation, the surfaces where the tabs are exposed are shown for the six battery units. As shown in FIG. 30B, a bond or a liquid resin (hereinafter collectively referred to as resin GR) is injected into the box 85 through the hole 85A. Similarly, resin GR is injected through another hole 85A. A bonding portion 86 is formed in the SPA between the battery unit and the inner surface of the box 85 by hardening the resin GR or the like injected inside. The inner surface of the box 85 and the outer surface of the six battery units are adhered by the adhesive portion 86 , thereby fixing the six battery units to the box 85 .
（第６の例）
　図３１を参照しつつ、第６の例について説明する。第６の例は、保持部材を用いることなく、６個の電池ユニットを固定する例である。図３１に示すように、上下の電池ユニット間には、第１の側壁部２０１がオーバーラップする箇所（以下、この箇所をオーバーラップ部ＶＰ１と適宜、称する）が存在する。また、上下の電池ユニット間には、第２の側壁部２０２がオーバーラップする箇所（以下、この箇所をオーバーラップ部ＶＰ２と適宜、称する）が存在する。オーバーラップ部ＶＰ１およびオーバーラップ部ＶＰ２のそれぞれに対して、レーザーＬＡが照射されることによりレーザー溶接が行われる。レーザー溶接により、オーバーラップ部ＶＰ１およびオーバーラップ部ＶＰ２のそれぞれには、レーザー溶接の痕（レーザー痕）ＬＰＡ、ＬＰＢが形成される。他のオーバーラップ部に対しても同様にレーザー溶接が行われる。各オーバーラップ部が溶接されることで、６個の電池ユニットが一体的に固定される。なお、図示は省略しているが、第３の側壁部２０３のオーバーラップ部についてもレーザー溶接が行われてもよい。 (Sixth example)
A sixth example will be described with reference to FIG. A sixth example is an example of fixing six battery units without using a holding member. As shown in FIG. 31, there is a portion where the first side wall portions 201 overlap (hereinafter, this portion will be referred to as an overlapping portion VP1 as appropriate) between the upper and lower battery units. In addition, there is a portion where the second side wall portion 202 overlaps between the upper and lower battery units (hereinafter, this portion will be referred to as an overlapping portion VP2 as appropriate). Laser welding is performed by irradiating the laser LA to each of the overlapping portion VP1 and the overlapping portion VP2. By laser welding, laser welding marks (laser marks) LPA and LPB are formed in the overlap portion VP1 and the overlap portion VP2, respectively. Laser welding is similarly performed for other overlapping portions. The six battery units are integrally fixed by welding the overlapping portions. Although not shown, laser welding may also be performed on the overlapping portion of the third side wall portion 203 .
　なお、上述した複数の例は組み合わせてもよい。例えば、オーバーラップ部にレーザー溶接が行われ、且つ、レーザー溶接が行われた６個の電池ユニットが箱８５に収納されるようにしてもよい。 It should be noted that the above examples may be combined. For example, the overlapping portions may be laser-welded, and the box 85 may house six battery units that have been laser-welded.
＜変形例＞
　以上、本発明の実施形態について具体的に説明したが、本発明の内容は上述した実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の技術的思想に基づく各種の変形が可能である。 <Modification>
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described above, the content of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications based on the technical idea of the present invention are possible.
　一実施形態で説明した電池セルは、正極タブおよび負極タブの導出方向が同一方向であったが、反対側等、異なる方向であってもよい。この場合、第３の側壁部がない構成であってもよい。 In the battery cell described in one embodiment, the lead-out directions of the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab are the same direction, but they may be different directions such as opposite sides. In this case, the configuration may be such that the third side wall portion is not provided.
　上述した一実施形態では、第１の側壁部および第２の側壁部が第３の側壁部と離れていたが、それぞれの側壁部が一体的に形成されていてもよい。但し、上述したように、第１の側壁部および第２の側壁部が第３の側壁部と離れている構成が好ましい。 Although the first side wall and the second side wall are separate from the third side wall in the above-described embodiment, the side walls may be integrally formed. However, as described above, it is preferable that the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are separated from the third side wall portion.
　電池セルの保護のために、電池ユニットがクッション部材を備える構成が好ましいが、クッション部材がなくてもよい。また、電池ユニット集合体を構成する電池ユニットの数等は適宜、変更可能である。また、電池セルとしてラミネート型以外の電池セルが用いられてもよい。 In order to protect the battery cells, it is preferable for the battery unit to have a cushion member, but the cushion member may be omitted. Also, the number of battery units constituting the battery unit assembly can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, a battery cell other than the laminate type may be used as the battery cell.
　上述した実施形態、変形例で説明した事項は、適宜組み合わせることが可能である。また、実施形態で説明された材料、工程等はあくまで一例であり、例示された材料等に本発明の内容が限定されるものではない。 The items described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate. Also, the materials, processes, and the like described in the embodiments are merely examples, and the contents of the present invention are not limited to the exemplified materials and the like.
＜応用例＞
　本発明にかかる電池ユニット、電池ユニット集合体、または、これらを用いた電池パック（以下、電池ユニット等と適宜、称する）は、電動工具、電動車両、各種の電子機器等に搭載又は電力を供給するために使用することができる。 <Application example>
A battery unit, a battery unit assembly, or a battery pack using them (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a battery unit or the like) according to the present invention is mounted on or supplies electric power to power tools, electric vehicles, various electronic devices, and the like. can be used to
（電動工具）
　図３２を参照して、本発明が適用可能な電動工具として電動ドライバの例について概略的に説明する。電動ドライバ４３１には、シャフト４３４に回転動力を伝達するモーター４３３と、ユーザが操作するトリガースイッチ４３２が設けられている。電動ドライバ４３１の把手の下部筐体内に、電池パック４３０及びモーター制御部４３５が収容されている。電池パック４３０は、電動ドライバ４３１に対して内蔵されているか、又は着脱自在とされている。電池パック４３０に上述した電池ユニット等を適用することができる。 (Electric tool)
An example of an electric driver as an electric power tool to which the present invention can be applied will be schematically described with reference to FIG. The electric driver 431 is provided with a motor 433 that transmits rotational power to a shaft 434 and a trigger switch 432 that is operated by a user. A battery pack 430 and a motor control unit 435 are accommodated in a lower housing of the handle of the electric driver 431 . The battery pack 430 is built into the electric driver 431 or is detachable therefrom. The battery unit or the like described above can be applied to the battery pack 430 .
　電池パック４３０及びモーター制御部４３５のそれぞれには、マイクロコンピュータ（図示せず）が備えられており、電池パック４３０の充放電情報が相互に通信できるようにしてもよい。モーター制御部４３５は、モーター４３３の動作を制御すると共に、過放電などの異常時にモーター４３３への電源供給を遮断することができる。 Each of the battery pack 430 and the motor control unit 435 may be provided with a microcomputer (not shown) so that charge/discharge information of the battery pack 430 can be communicated with each other. The motor control unit 435 can control the operation of the motor 433 and cut off the power supply to the motor 433 in the event of an abnormality such as overdischarge.
（電動車両用蓄電システム）
　本発明を電動車両用の蓄電システムに適用した例として、図３３に、シリーズハイブリッドシステムを採用したハイブリッド車両（ＨＶ）の構成例を概略的に示す。シリーズハイブリッドシステムはエンジンを動力とする発電機で発電された電力、あるいはそれをバッテリーに一旦貯めておいた電力を用いて、電力駆動力変換装置で走行する車である。 (Power storage system for electric vehicles)
As an example in which the present invention is applied to a power storage system for an electric vehicle, FIG. 33 schematically shows a configuration example of a hybrid vehicle (HV) employing a series hybrid system. A series hybrid system is a vehicle that runs with an electric drive force conversion device using electric power generated by a generator powered by an engine or electric power temporarily stored in a battery.
　このハイブリッド車両６００には、エンジン６０１、発電機６０２、電力駆動力変換装置（直流モーター又は交流モーター。以下単に「モーター６０３」という。）、駆動輪６０４ａ、駆動輪６０４ｂ、車輪６０５ａ、車輪６０５ｂ、バッテリー６０８、車両制御装置６０９、各種センサ６１０、充電口６１１が搭載されている。バッテリー６０８としては、本発明の電池ユニット等が適用され得る。 This hybrid vehicle 600 includes an engine 601, a generator 602, a power driving force conversion device (DC motor or AC motor, hereinafter simply referred to as "motor 603"), driving wheels 604a, driving wheels 604b, wheels 605a, wheels 605b, A battery 608, a vehicle control device 609, various sensors 610, and a charging port 611 are mounted. As the battery 608, the battery unit or the like of the present invention can be applied.
　バッテリー６０８の電力によってモーター６０３が作動し、モーター６０３の回転力が駆動輪６０４ａ、６０４ｂに伝達される。エンジン６０１によって産み出された回転力によって、発電機６０２で生成された電力をバッテリー６０８に蓄積することが可能である。各種センサ６１０は、車両制御装置６０９を介してエンジン回転数を制御したり、図示しないスロットルバルブの開度を制御したりする。 The electric power of the battery 608 operates the motor 603, and the rotational force of the motor 603 is transmitted to the driving wheels 604a, 604b. The rotational power produced by engine 601 allows power generated by generator 602 to be stored in battery 608 . Various sensors 610 control the engine speed via the vehicle control device 609 and control the opening of a throttle valve (not shown).
　図示しない制動機構によりハイブリッド車両６００が減速すると、その減速時の抵抗力がモーター６０３に回転力として加わり、この回転力によって生成された回生電力がバッテリー６０８に蓄積される。バッテリー６０８は、ハイブリッド車両６００の充電口６１１を介して外部の電源に接続されることで充電することが可能である。このようなＨＶ車両を、プラグインハイブリッド車（ＰＨＶ又はＰＨＥＶ）という。 When the hybrid vehicle 600 is decelerated by a braking mechanism (not shown), the resistance during deceleration is applied to the motor 603 as rotational force, and the regenerated electric power generated by this rotational force is stored in the battery 608 . Battery 608 can be charged by being connected to an external power supply via charging port 611 of hybrid vehicle 600 . Such HV vehicles are called plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV or PHEV).
　なお、本発明に係る電池ユニットや電池ユニット集合体を小型化された一次電池に応用して、車輪６０４、６０５に内蔵された空気圧センサシステム（TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring system）の電源として用いることも可能である。 It should be noted that the battery unit and battery unit assembly according to the present invention can also be applied to a miniaturized primary battery and used as a power source for an air pressure sensor system (TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring System) built into the wheels 604 and 605. It is possible.
　以上では、シリーズハイブリッド車を例として説明したが、エンジンとモーターを併用するパラレル方式、又は、シリーズ方式とパラレル方式を組み合わせたハイブリッド車に対しても本発明は適用可能である。さらに、エンジンを用いない駆動モーターのみで走行する電気自動車（ＥＶ又はＢＥＶ）や、燃料電池車（ＦＣＶ）に対しても本発明は適用可能である。 Although a series hybrid vehicle has been described above as an example, the present invention can also be applied to a parallel system that uses both an engine and a motor, or a hybrid vehicle that combines a series system and a parallel system. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to electric vehicles (EV or BEV) that run only with a drive motor that does not use an engine, and fuel cell vehicles (FCV).
１Ａ、１Ｂ・・・電池ユニット
２・・・電池ユニット集合体
１０・・・電池セル
２０・・・金属ケース
４０・・・クッション部材
７１、７２、７７・・・バンド部材
８５・・・箱
８６・・・接着部
１０３、１０４・・・上面
２０１・・・第１の側壁部
２０２・・・第２の側壁部
２０３・・・第３の側壁部
２１０・・・金属ケースの底面
２２１Ａ、２２２Ａ、２２３Ａ・・・壁部
２２１Ｂ、２２２Ｂ、２２３Ｂ・・屈曲部
２２１Ｃ、２２２Ｃ、２２３Ｃ・・・壁部
４０１・・・クッション部材の上面
ＤＡ、ＤＢ、ＤＣ、ＤＤ・・・距離
ＬＰＡ、ＬＰＢ・・・レーザー痕 1A, 1B... Battery unit 2... Battery unit assembly 10... Battery cell 20... Metal case 40... Cushion members 71, 72, 77... Band member 85... Box 86 . . Bonding portions 103, 104 .. Top surface 201 .. First side wall portion 202 .. Second side wall portion 203 .. Third side wall portion 210 . , 223A Wall portions 221B, 222B, 223B Bending portions 221C, 222C, 223C Wall portion 401 Upper surface of cushion member DA, DB, DC, DD Distance LPA, LPB・Laser mark

Claims (21)

  1. 　電池セルと、
    　前記電池セルが収納される金属ケースと
    　を備え、
    　前記金属ケースは、
    　底面と、
    　前記底面の周縁から立設され、内面が互いに対向する第１の側壁部および第２の側壁部と
    　を備え、
    　前記第１の側壁部および前記第２の側壁部は、前記電池セルの上面よりも突出しており、
    　前記第１の側壁部の内面と前記第２の側壁部の内面との間の距離は、前記底面側よりも当該底面側とは反対側である端部側の方が大きい
    　電池ユニット。     a battery cell;
    a metal case in which the battery cell is housed,
    The metal case is
    a bottom surface;
    a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion erected from the peripheral edge of the bottom surface and having inner surfaces facing each other;
    The first side wall portion and the second side wall portion protrude from the upper surface of the battery cell,
    The distance between the inner surface of the first side wall portion and the inner surface of the second side wall portion is greater on the end portion side opposite to the bottom surface side than on the bottom surface side of the battery unit.
  2. 　前記金属ケースは、前記第１の側壁部および前記第２の側壁部の延在方向と略直交する方向に延在する第３の側壁部を備え、
    　前記第３の側壁部の内面は、前記電池セルの所定の端面と対向しており、
    　前記第３の側壁部の内面と前記電池セルの所定の端面との間の距離は、前記底面側より前記端部側の方が大きい
    　請求項１に記載の電池ユニット。     the metal case includes a third side wall portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion;
    The inner surface of the third side wall faces a predetermined end surface of the battery cell,
    The battery unit according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the inner surface of the third side wall and the predetermined end surface of the battery cell is greater on the end portion side than on the bottom surface side.
  3. 　前記電池セルの上面にクッション部材が設けられる
    　請求項１または２に記載の電池ユニット。     The battery unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cushion member is provided on the upper surface of the battery cell.
  4. 　前記第１の側壁部および前記第２の側壁部は、前記クッション部材の上面よりも突出している
    　請求項３に記載の電池ユニット。     The battery unit according to claim 3, wherein the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion protrude from the upper surface of the cushion member.
  5. 　それぞれの前記側壁部は、ばね性を有する
    　請求項１から４までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット。     The battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each side wall portion has spring properties.
  6. 　それぞれの前記側壁部は、前記電池セルとは反対側である外側に向かって変位可能である
    　請求項５に記載の電池ユニット。     6. The battery unit according to claim 5, wherein each said side wall portion is displaceable toward the outside opposite to said battery cell.
  7. 　それぞれの前記側壁部は、前記電池セルとは反対側である外側に向かって屈曲する屈曲部を備える
    　請求項１から６までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット。     The battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the side wall portions has a bent portion that bends outward on the side opposite to the battery cell.
  8. 　前記第１の側壁部の底面側内面と前記第２の側壁部の底面側内面とが、前記電池セルと接触している
    　請求項１から７までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット。     The battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bottom-side inner surface of the first side wall portion and the bottom-side inner surface of the second side wall portion are in contact with the battery cell.
  9. 　それぞれの前記側壁部は、前記底部から立設する第１の壁部と、前記第１の壁部の先端から、前記電池セルとは反対側に向かって屈曲する屈曲部と、前記屈曲部の先端から延在する第２の壁部とを備える
    　請求項１から８までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット。     Each of the side wall portions includes a first wall portion erected from the bottom portion, a bent portion that bends from the tip of the first wall portion toward the side opposite to the battery cell, and the bent portion. The battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a second wall extending from the tip.
  10. 　前記屈曲部と前記第２の壁部とは、前記電池セルとは反対側である外側に向かって変位可能である
    　請求項９に記載の電池ユニット。     The battery unit according to claim 9, wherein the bent portion and the second wall portion are displaceable toward the outside opposite to the battery cell.
  11. 　請求項１から１０までの何れかに記載の電池ユニットを複数、備え、
    　前記複数の電池ユニットのうちの第１の前記電池ユニットと第２の前記電池ユニットとが、積み重ねられており、
    　前記第１の電池ユニットの前記第１の側壁部の一部と、前記第２の電池ユニットの前記第１の側壁部の一部とがオーバーラップしており、
    　前記第１の電池ユニットの前記第２の側壁部の一部と、前記第２の電池ユニットの前記第２の側壁部の一部とがオーバーラップしている
    　電池ユニット集合体。     A plurality of battery units according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
    a first battery unit and a second battery unit of the plurality of battery units are stacked;
    A portion of the first side wall portion of the first battery unit and a portion of the first side wall portion of the second battery unit overlap,
    A battery unit assembly in which a portion of the second side wall portion of the first battery unit and a portion of the second side wall portion of the second battery unit overlap.
  12. 　前記第１の電池ユニットの前記第１の側壁部の上端部側内面と、前記第２の電池ユニットの前記第１の側壁部の下端側外面とがオーバーラップしており、
    　前記第１の電池ユニットの前記第２の側壁部の上端部側内面と、前記第２の電池ユニットの前記第２の側壁部の下端側外面とがオーバーラップしている
    　請求項１１に記載の電池ユニット集合体。     The upper end side inner surface of the first side wall portion of the first battery unit and the lower end side outer surface of the first side wall portion of the second battery unit overlap,
    The upper inner surface of the second side wall portion of the first battery unit and the lower outer surface of the second side wall portion of the second battery unit overlap according to claim 11 . Battery unit assembly.
  13. 　最上部に配置される前記電池ユニットの上部に保護板が設けられる
    　請求項１１または１２に記載の電池ユニット集合体。     The battery unit assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a protective plate is provided on the top of the battery unit arranged at the top.
  14. 　前記複数の電池ユニットを保持する保持部材を備える
    　請求項１１から１３までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット集合体。     The battery unit assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a holding member that holds the plurality of battery units.
  15. 　前記保持部材は、前記複数の電池ユニットの周囲に取り付けられるバンド部材である
    　請求項１４に記載の電池ユニット集合体。     The battery unit assembly according to claim 14, wherein the holding member is a band member attached around the plurality of battery units.
  16. 　前記保持部材は、前記複数の電池ユニットの上下に配置される外装板と前記外装板を連結するバンド部材を含む
    　請求項１４に記載の電池ユニット集合体。     15. The battery unit assembly according to claim 14, wherein the holding member includes an exterior plate arranged above and below the plurality of battery units and a band member connecting the exterior plate.
  17. 　前記保持部材は、前記複数の電池ユニットを収納する収納部材を含む
    　請求項１４に記載の電池ユニット集合体。     The battery unit assembly according to claim 14, wherein the holding member includes a storage member that stores the plurality of battery units.
  18. 　前記収納部材と前記複数の電池ユニットとの間に設けられる接着部を備える
    　請求項１７に記載の電池ユニット集合体。     18. The battery unit assembly according to claim 17, further comprising an adhesive portion provided between said housing member and said plurality of battery units.
  19. 　前記オーバーラップした箇所にレーザー痕が形成されている
    　請求項１１から１８までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット集合体。     The battery unit assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein a laser mark is formed at the overlapped portion.
  20. 　請求項１から１０までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット、または、請求項１１から１９までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット集合体を備える電動工具。 An electric power tool comprising the battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the battery unit assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 19.
  21. 　請求項１から１０までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット、または、請求項１１から１９までの何れかに記載の電池ユニット集合体を備える電動車両。 An electric vehicle comprising the battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the battery unit assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 19.
PCT/JP2022/019835 2021-06-28 2022-05-10 Battery unit, battery unit assembly, electric tool, and electric vehicle WO2023276453A1 (en)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2004055449A (en) * 2002-07-23 2004-02-19 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Module battery
WO2006009062A1 (en) * 2004-07-20 2006-01-26 Nec Corporation Receiving member, receiving case, and housing
JP2012252888A (en) * 2011-06-03 2012-12-20 Sharp Corp Secondary battery and assembled battery
JP2017539070A (en) * 2014-11-05 2017-12-28 エルジー・ケム・リミテッド Cartridge frame having double side wall structure and battery module including the same

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2004055449A (en) * 2002-07-23 2004-02-19 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Module battery
WO2006009062A1 (en) * 2004-07-20 2006-01-26 Nec Corporation Receiving member, receiving case, and housing
JP2012252888A (en) * 2011-06-03 2012-12-20 Sharp Corp Secondary battery and assembled battery
JP2017539070A (en) * 2014-11-05 2017-12-28 エルジー・ケム・リミテッド Cartridge frame having double side wall structure and battery module including the same

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